In its path toward democratic reform, the government of Uzbekistan is in the process of changing the structure and roles of the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. The powers of the executive, previously lodged mainly with the president, have been altered to accommodate a new prime minister. The country will adopt a bicameral legislative structure with elections in December.

In announcing the changes, President Islam Karimov said, "There is no need to elaborate today that the sole path to prosperity and wellbeing of the nation is [to move] forward on the course of the modernization and reform." He emphasized that reform achievements to date are "only the beginning phase" of completely modernizing the nation.

The reforms underway focus on several areas.

First, the government will redistribute power and authority in a more democratic and balanced way among the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Each branch will be structured to carry out its constitutional mandate independently.

Both the role and significance of the legislative branch will substantially increase. The role and authority of the parliament, known as the Oliy Majlis, in forming and overseeing the work of government have grown significantly; for example, the parliament now approves the president's nomination for the office of prime minister.

The Senate, which will be the upper chamber of the bicameral parliament, will have transferred to it some of the president's powers. The most important of these are the appointment and approval of the heads of the public, judicial, and special services, the heads of diplomatic missions abroad, and representatives to international organizations.

Second, Article 89 of the Constitution pertaining to the powers of the presidency will be changed to reflect the transfer of some presidential authority to the prime minister. The responsibilities of the prime minister, the government, and government agencies are being substantially increased. This redistribution of powers and responsibilities of the president will enhance the democratic foundation of the state structure.

Third, the lower chamber of parliament, known as the Legislative Chamber, will now carry out its work on a permanent basis, rather than the current practice of basing work in short sessions. This, the government believes, will mean not only that members elected to the chamber will be expected to meet higher requirements of expertise and standards of professionalism, but also that the process of legislative work will change in principle. The quality of laws and statutory acts being adopted will ultimately change.

The election of deputies into the Lower Chamber by party lists or as independents will in turn enhance the role, influence and significance of political parties as well as non-governmental, public and civil institutions and organizations.

The senate will be established on the basis of an equal number of deputies from various territories of the country and local Kengashs. This arrangement will permit the national parliament to keep its finger on the pulse of the country by keeping contact with the regions, and representing and upholding their interests.

The senate will not be engaged directly with legislative activity in parallel with the lower chamber. Members of the senate will participate in legislative activity by approving or rejecting drafts of laws submitted to them by the lower chamber on the basis of the overall interests of the country and, at the same time, the regions of the country.

Fourth, the country's constitution will be altered to reflect the changes in the structure of the legislative branch. The powers, rights and duties of each chamber, and the determination of their prerogatives and joint work, must be stipulated in the Constitution.

These changes, as well as corollary enhancements of the role of the press and mass media, and the electoral system, are expected to serve as a powerful incentive to enhance political activity and political consciousness in society.

The National Democratic Party of Uzbekistan was founded in 1991 and emphasized the social protection for all people without discrimination of nationality, religion or social status. There are more than 580250 members. 48 of party's representatives were elected to Parliament.

The Social Democratic Party "Adolat" (Justice) was founded in 1995 and has proclaimed its priority as the building the lawful democratic state and raising of awareness of legal rights as a guarantee of social stability. There are more than 40600 members. The party's parliamentary fraction of 47 representatives.

The Democratic Party "Milliy Tiklanish" (National Revival) was founded in 1995 and is based on a revival of the spiritual heritage, history and culture of the Uzbek people in combination with all the ethnic groups in the country. There are more than 20000 members. 12 of party's representatives were elected to Parliament.

The National Democratic Party "Fidokorlar" (Patriots) was founded in 1998 and its goal is to assist in the creation of an open and democratic society, based on free market economy. There are 40680 members. 50 of party's representatives were elected to Parliament.

Businessmen and Entrepreneurs Movement - Uzbekistan Liberal-Democratic Party was founded in 2003 and emphasized the protection of activities of business people and market economy. There are more than 40000 members. None party's representatives in Parliament.