Council of Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan adopted decision on preparing and holding elections of aksakals. The upper house of parliament created special commission on organizing and holding upcoming elections. This was announced at briefing in Tashkent.

Anvar Akhmedov, Senator and chairperson of Mahalla Charity Foundation, said that the programme of measures of the Council of Senate envisages formation of similar commissions by local Deputies’ Councils in the region and Jokary Kenes of Karakalpakstan.

Senators are planning to hold several educational seminars, roundtables and other events for population and mass media before election campaign. The events will be directed at explaining legislation on election of aksakals and their advisors.

It is planned to elect about 10,000 aksakals, including 8,383 in mahallas and 1,590 in villages and settlements. It is expected that over 98,000 advisors will be elected as well. It is worth to note that some 9,881 aksakals and over 85,000 advisors were elected in previous elections in November-December 2008.

Citizens’ gatherings in Uzbekistan are self governing bodies, which functions in villages, mahallas of cities and villages. The citizens’ gatherings represent interest of population and adopt decision on their behalf in their territories.

Chairpersons (aksakals) and their advisors are elected for 2.5 years. Aksakals are elected in coordination with governors of districts or cities, while nominees of advisors submitted by aksakals.