On November 19, the first plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent.
The meeting was attended by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The event was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zayniddin Nizamkhodzhaev.
The national anthem of our country was played.
To organize the work of the plenary session, a secretariat and a group to control electronic voting were established, and the agenda was approved. The Chairman of the Central Election Commission presented information on the results of the elections to the Senate of Oliy Majlis.
It was noted that the process was conducted in an open and fair manner in line with the updated version of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the improved national electoral legislation.
According to the Fundamental Law, the members of the Senate were elected by secret ballot by the deputies of the representative bodies of state power of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions, districts and cities at the relevant joint sessions. An equal number of four persons were elected from each territory. Another nine senators were appointed by presidential decree.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the plenary session and sincerely congratulated the members of the new Senate on the high trust bestowed upon them.
It was emphasized that the previous composition of the upper chamber had made a worthy contribution to the development of the country. Over the past five years, the Senate has heard 106 reports and sent 1,300 requests to executive bodies. The authority of the parliament in the international arena has also significantly increased. Over this period, the number of inter-parliamentary friendship groups with foreign countries has increased from 26 to 73.
As a result of constitutional reforms, the composition of the Senate was optimized and the number of its members was reduced from 100 to 65. At the same time, the powers and responsibilities of senators have multiplied. In particular, the control functions of the upper house of parliament and its participation in forming a number of key state bodies were expanded. The Senate also received the right of legislative initiative.
The President drew attention to the international situation and emphasized the importance of peace and unity.
– In such a difficult time we will be able to ensure peace and development in our country only through strong will, unity, cohesion and hard work. Distinguished senators and deputies of local councils, I believe that you deeply recognize this important truth and your great responsibility, – said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
He noted that the current situation requires everyone to critically assess their work and transition to a completely new format.
In this regard, the current tasks before the Senate were outlined.
First. It is necessary to introduce new mechanisms for discussing laws.
It is important to widely involve local councils in the lawmaking process and incorporate their opinion on each law. Special attention should be paid to the harmonization of local and national interests in legislative acts.
Second. Providing comprehensive support to the activities of local kengashes should become a priority task of the Senate.
Now the heads of regional and Tashkent city councils are chairmen elected from among deputies, not khokims. Control over the activities of territorial executive bodies will be strengthened through new mechanisms such as inquiry and investigation of the kengash.
Third. Local kengashes should interact with lower structures of ministries and agencies, especially district and city subdivisions on the ground applying new approaches.
Fourth. The Constitution makes the Senate responsible for ensuring that the decisions of local councils comply with the legislation. In this regard, it is necessary to create an effective system that guarantees transparency and lawfulness.
Fifth. Senate committees are the driving force behind the upper chamber. It is time to enshrine the foundations of the institution of committee hearings at the level of law.
Sixth. Participation of senators in implementing poverty reduction and social protection programs is key.
Seventh. Strengthening parliamentary control in the fight against corruption and involving the entire society in this process is of utmost importance. The Senate should develop specific measures to raise the legal consciousness and culture of the population, create public intolerance to corruption, instill in young people respect for the law, honesty and diligence.
Eighth. The introduction of a system of election of all members of the Supreme Judicial Council by the Senate is aimed at ensuring the true independence of the judiciary. The Senate should not only approve nominees, but also get acquainted with their activities and make appropriate conclusions.
Organizational issues were considered at the meeting. In accordance with Article 101 of the Constitution, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented a candidate for the post of Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis.
Tanzila Narbayeva was elected Chairman of the Senate by secret ballot. First Deputy Chairman of the Senate Sadyk Safoyev and Deputy Chairman of the Senate Amanbay Orynbayev were also elected.
Seven committees and one commission of the Senate were established. Senators made relevant decisions on other issues discussed.