A solid bridge between the people and the government

The election of mahalla chairmen is important in building a democratic state governed by the rule of law

As a result of the large-scale reforms carried out, the country is being updated, the welfare of the people is noticeably improving. The traditional system of self-government is being transformed, which is recognized in international society as a unique example of the Eastern school of democracy. At the initiative of the President, consistent work is being carried out to support and comprehensively develop the mahalla, its transformation into the closest structure for the people.
The effectiveness of the measures taken gives a positive result. 
The role of the mahalla is becoming more and more strengthened, it becomes a solid bridge, a link between the population and the authorities. People share joys and cares with their close environment, find solutions to problems together. The status and authority of the mahalla chairmen among the people is increasing. Previously, it was very difficult for the chairmen of mahallas to solve even everyday household issues of the population, not to mention the problems of their territory. Now their powers and capabilities to directly solve the problems of the population have been expanded.
Special attention is paid to ensuring the stability of the socio-spiritual environment. In this direction, cooperation has been established between government bodies, local Kengashes and the public. Work on the promotion of spirituality is carried out everywhere according to the "mahallabai" system. Prevention inspectors carry out effective activities day and night to protect peace in the mahallas and prevent crime. 
A number of measures have been identified to further increase the authority of the mahalla in the near future, strengthen its material and technical base. In particular, we face an urgent task — the expansion of the powers of the chairmen of mahallas and their deputies. In order to create even more opportunities for the rapid solution of the problems of the population, it is planned to grant them the right to submit questions at the meetings of the local Kengash for mandatory consideration.  
Serious preparations have been made for the election of the chairmen of citizens' gatherings, which are taking place everywhere. The resolution of the Kengash of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis "On the preparation and conduct of elections of chairmen (elders) of citizens' gatherings" was adopted. Commissions have been formed in all regions to facilitate the organization and conduct of elections, and their areas of activity have been clearly defined.  
In accordance with the Law "On the election of the chairman (Aksakal) of Citizens' Gatherings", these commissions coordinate the activities of working groups on the organization and conduct of elections of chairmen (aksakals) of citizens' gatherings. 
It should be noted that working groups on the organization and conduct of elections have been established in 9,349 mahallas. They include 86,428 members — heads of institutions and organizations, deputies and representatives of the public. 
Based on the volume and significance of the work carried out by these groups, it is not difficult to imagine what an important place they occupy in the election process. In particular, they determine the date, time and place of meetings of citizens' representatives, organize and hold general meetings of residents of courtyards, residential buildings, streets to elect representatives of citizens. Also, taking into account the opinion of citizens permanently residing in the relevant territory, proposals are being prepared for candidates for the post of chairman (aksakal) of the citizens' meeting for submission to the relevant commission.
All these actions ensure the organization and conduct of elections of mahalla chairmen at a high level, the election of worthy candidates. Along with the organization and conduct of elections in compliance with democratic principles, it is very important who exactly will be elected to the post of chairman of the mahalla. According to the law, candidates for the post of chairman (aksakal) of the citizens' assembly must be citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as a rule, have a higher education, permanently reside in the relevant territory for at least five years immediately before the elections, have organizational skills, as well as life experience and authority among the population. It is also important to prepare the population for this process, enrich their knowledge and concepts in this area. For this purpose, collections of legislative acts, methodological recommendations and manuals have been published in 66 thousand copies, which have been distributed locally.
In order to clarify the essence and meaning of the Law "On the election of the chairman (Aksakal) of the Citizens' Assembly", 9,214 events were held on the ground, which covered about 2.5 million people. 
Measures have also been taken to hold elections in comfortable places convenient for the population. A total of 9,744 secret voting booths and 11,874 voting boxes have been prepared. In short, the necessary conditions for the population have been prepared at all election venues. 
Methods of work in the context of mahallas are becoming more and more entrenched in our life and society. The study of mahalla problems by managers at all levels, finding their solutions, ensuring results is the main criterion for evaluating their activities. 
The Development Strategy of the new Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 sets the task of comprehensively improving the activities of citizens' self-government bodies, strengthening the importance of the mahalla's activities in public administration, turning it into an independent, strong and effective institution providing practical assistance to the people. 
In achieving these goals, the elected chairmen of the mahallas will become a key figure. This encourages each of us to treat elections with high responsibility. 

Tanzila NARBAYEVA, 
Chairman of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis 
Republic of Uzbekistan