MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The elections took place on December 4. Four candidates ran for presidency, including acting head of state Shavkat Mirziyoyev from the Liberal Democratic Party, Deputy Parliament Speaker Hotamzhon Ketmonov from the People's Democratic Party, economist Sarwar Otamuratov from the Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival) Democratic Party, and Narimon Umarov, the head of the Justice Social Democratic Party.
"The presidential elections in Uzbekistan were open and democratic, in compliance with law and international norms … We note high professionalism of members of staff of electoral commissions, and public activity, Alimov, who headed the SCO mission of observers, told a briefing.
Early presidential election were scheduled in Uzbekistan after President Islam Karimov, who ruled the country for 25 years, died on September 2.