Tanzila Narbaeva: How independent is the Uzbek parliament today?

One of Uzbekistan’s central challenges is to build institutions that balance each other. But in a deeply authoritarian political system, that is no easy thing. And it is harder still in today’s Uzbekistan because of high public expectations, intensifying citizen demands for accountability and responsibility, and letdowns of the past and present. The regime is facing a skeptical public and dealing with repeated crises of popular legitimacy.

Tanzila Narbaeva is the highest-ranking woman in Uzbekistan. As Deputy Prime Minister, she was a close ally of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who has sought to rebuild popular support and institutionalize his reform agenda since taking power in 2016. Now, as the Chairperson of the Uzbek Senate, Narbaeva faces a new challenge — persuading a deeply distrustful public that the Uzbek legislature is more than just a rubber stamp.

In an exclusive interview with the Voice of America in Tashkent, she discussed the evolution of parliament’s roles and responsibilities, reflected on the legacy of the pandemic, and recommitted to pursue reforms. Full video in Uzbek below.

“The pandemic is not over in Uzbekistan but we have battled it with every tool and measure we have, and with determination … We are in a better place today because of the political, economic, and social measures we took and continue to take, and the investment we have made into our health care and education system. We have spent over $8 billion in the fight against coronavirus. Going forward, it’s not going to be easy, we know, but we value and appreciate the assistance and support from the international community.”

Narbaeva argues that the Uzbek people are more confident today because they have been resilient in the face of the pandemic, living through lockdowns and restrictions. She echoes Uzbekistan’s Innovation Minister Ibrokhim Abdurakhmonov, who also told VOA that Tashkent has yet to make final decisions on a #Vaccine but wants to work closely with the WHO and international partners.

Narbaeva sees positive legacies emerging from the pandemic, including the activism of its culture of volunteerism and the emergence of- local groups for fundraising and organizing humanitarian aid. She says the parliament and the entire system fully support those civic efforts. Charities, local activism, and grassroots organizing will shape the future civil society of the country, she argues.

Narbaeva concedes that the fight against #Corruption in Uzbekistan is real, noting that she is overseeing the efforts through a special commission. That will be a long, painful battle, but, she argues, Uzbekistan has already chosen a path of openness, honesty, transparency, and accountability. Everybody will have to accept these conditions and adapt these values, she says. Public servants and members of the Uzbek parliament will start disclosing their income, wealth and other critical details that the people they are serving should know. “There is resistance, but that won’t stop the reforms.”

So, just how real are #PoliticalReforms? Narbaeva replies that local lawmaking and the parliament have never been so independent from central government executive fiat. Local councils are questioning mayors and governors on a daily basis, firing those they see unfit and leading investigations, she says. The Uzbek parliament holds ministers and their deputies accountable, Narbaeva claims, and demands answers to public complaints. There is a lot to learn and adapt, most of the changes are yet to happen, she concedes. "Still, we debate and are adopting ways to better serve the public."

Getting #Parliamentarians in Tashkent to take their jobs seriously requires professionalization. Members of parliament have higher salaries now, around $1000 monthly, 3-4 times more than public teachers and doctors. They are provided with housing and are also offered low interest mortgages. Narbaeva says, MPs are also expected to do a lot of tasks pro bono: for example, running or serving on commissions. But they are spending more time in their constituencies. Local legislators, by contrast, have nominal salaries, maintain full-time jobs in the public sphere, and are expected to work for the public good.

Are Uzbek public servants capable of avoiding #ConflictsOfInterest and serve with honesty? They are, and they should be, responds Narbaeva. Otherwise, they will do the country a disservice, she admits.

How does Narbaeva assess her own work and measure her impact? “My staff works with the public, media and especially those with complaints. Every decision and step I take is now based on what I hear from our citizens. We study petitions, investigate, check their accuracy and based on our conclusions, deal with these matters.”

With endless complaints about the system, those running it, and influencing it, when can the public expect to see solutions to specific problems? One example are the current #EnergyShortages roiling the country’s power grid. Narbaeva says, the problem should be dealt with right away and believes the government is working on it. But in the long run, she says, "we need to fix our infrastructure and increase production and supply."

The #Sardoba dam disaster (May 2020) is still being investigated and the public is eager to see those responsible held accountable. Narbaeva dismisses fears that “those responsible will escape as usual” and promises to see the results of the investigation through. “Whoever is responsible will be punished, trust me,” she says. The justice system must do its job, she adds, prosecutors and relevant agencies and ministries can’t hide the truth. Narbaeva agrees that this is a historic test for the system to show integrity and honesty.

“Reforms have so far shown us a messy process. They involve a very difficult dynamic and difficulties to be navigated. We are finding out every day how much more complicated our issues are than we had imagined—and what it will take for us to fight and overcome them. There will be roadblocks and barriers, scandals and problems, none of us have any doubts about that. Still, we must not stop, and will not stop. Let’s go through this together and fix the problems while also making sure the fixes are systemic.”

#GenderEquity: 6,000 Uzbek women are being trained for leadership. “We have six female district mayors now. The situation has improved dramatically in those areas. We have more women as ministers and in other decision-making positions. 32 percent of lawmakers are women. We finally have a female ambassador now … This process will continue and expand.” Narbaeva argues that women have been on the frontlines of Uzbekistan’s fight against COVID and, frankly, every other major issue too. She is leading a commission on gender issues and thinks that men should be part of these discussions. One systemic challenge is to reform the way boys and girls are educated. “There are no ‘women’s’ issues. These are issues pertaining to the entire society. So, we are not treating them as ‘so-called women’s problems’ anymore. The policy has changed.”

Narbaeva argues that Uzbekistan’s parliament is independent now. And there is no pressure from the president’s office, she claims, “as there used to be before.” Lawmakers and senators choose their issues of focus and treat these matters as they want, and they are not hesitant to send complaints to any office, including the president’s,” says Narbaeva. “We have returned six bills in 2020. We are not getting orders from anyone anymore.”

Narbaeva describes communication with President Mirziyoyev as a professional dialogue. He is not in the dark about any matter or case, Narbaeva argues. "We have a great understanding around current policy challenges: our common task is to serve the people and to serve them well."

When asked about certain “populist” steps by the president, such as gifting houses to those in the middle of scandals, including embattled journalist Bobomurod Abdullayev, Narbaeva strongly disagrees that those are populist acts. These are decisions that the president made on a humanitarian basis and demonstrate justice and compassion, not populism or insider dealing.

#PresidentialElections this year should be held based on democratic norms, she says. “It’s impossible to have ‘puppet candidates’ because people won’t accept or tolerate that anymore. Current public pressure for openness and fairness should guide the system to hold elections right, argues Narbaeva. People want diverse ideas and platforms from the candidates. The Senate recently set the official date of the vote for October 24, 2021.

How about the registration of new organizations and #PoliticalParties? The laws of the country should dictate the process, responds Narbaeva. The Ministry of #Justice is responsible for that process. “Follow the procedures, present the documents, and meet all the requirements. That’s the way to register and get registered.” Narbaeva says the Senate is always ready to look at registration issues and carry out inquiries.

Throughout the interview, Narbaeva emphasizes the role of the international community and partners, conceding that it is “critical” for Uzbekistan to work with them and take on board their recommendations. "We've been relying on international advice and are committed to do so, moving forward... We know they have high expectations and we must do everything to live up to those—but when are living up to the expectations of our own people, then we will also be meeting theirs.”