Islam Karimov, Uzbek politician, 1st President of Uzbekistan (d. 2016)

Islam Abduganiyevich Karimov (Uzbek: Islom Abdugʻaniyevich Karimov / Ислом Абдуғаниевич Каримов; Russian: Ислам Абдуганиевич Каримов; born January 30, 1938 – died September 2, 2016) was a profoundly influential and controversial figure in Central Asian politics, serving as the paramount leader of Uzbekistan and its predecessor state, the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, for a remarkable period from 1989 until his death in 2016.

The Ascent to Power in the Late Soviet Era

Karimov’s political career began within the Soviet system, where he rose through the ranks of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan. As the Soviet Union experienced the transformative shifts of Perestroika and Glasnost, Karimov ascended to the highest echelons of power within the republic. From 1989 to 1991, he served as the last First Secretary of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan. This period was marked by increasing nationalist sentiment and the weakening grip of Moscow over the constituent Soviet republics.

On March 24, 1990, recognizing the evolving political landscape and the inevitable trajectory towards greater autonomy, Islam Karimov was appointed President of the Uzbek SSR. His leadership role during this transitional phase placed him at the forefront of Uzbekistan's emergence as an independent nation.

Uzbekistan's Declaration of Independence and Post-Soviet Leadership

As the Soviet Union moved towards its dissolution, Karimov played a pivotal role in establishing Uzbekistan as a sovereign state. He formally declared Uzbekistan an independent nation on August 31, 1991, a momentous decision that severed the republic's ties with the collapsing Soviet empire. This declaration was a foundational moment for modern Uzbekistan, marking the beginning of its journey as an independent nation-state.

Following independence, Karimov solidified his position as the country's leader. On December 29, 1991, he participated in the first post-independence presidential election. Official results stated he won with 86% of the vote. However, this election, like many that followed, faced significant criticism from foreign observers and opposition parties. They frequently cited widespread voting irregularities, alleging a campaign dominated by state-run propaganda and a falsified vote count, casting a shadow over the democratic legitimacy of his mandate from the outset.

Parallel to his presidential duties, Karimov also oversaw the transformation of the Communist Party of Uzbekistan into the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (PDP) in 1991. He led the PDP until 1996, further consolidating his influence over the country’s political structures in the nascent post-Soviet era.

Entrenched Rule and Controversial Re-elections

Islam Karimov's presidency was characterized by a long tenure, often extended through means that drew international scrutiny. His first presidential term was extended to the year 2000 by way of a controversial national referendum, circumventing the need for a direct election at that time. Subsequently, he was re-elected in 2000, 2007, and 2015. In each of these elections, he consistently secured over 90% of the vote, a pattern often associated with authoritarian regimes where genuine political competition is absent. These electoral outcomes were widely criticized by international bodies and human rights organizations for failing to meet democratic standards, citing issues such as the lack of a viable opposition, media control, and the manipulation of electoral processes.

The Authoritarian Nature of Karimov's Regime

During his 25 years as president of independent Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov presided over a highly centralized and repressive authoritarian regime. His rule was marked by the systematic suppression of dissent and a concerning human rights record, drawing consistent condemnation from international observers. Key characteristics of his governance included:

• Political Repression: Opposition parties and independent political movements were effectively dismantled. Political opponents were frequently subject to arbitrary arrest, imprisonment, and, in some documented cases, alleged assassination or suspicious deaths.
• Suppression of Human Rights: Widespread human rights abuses were consistently reported. These included systematic torture in prisons, severe restrictions on freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion. The state maintained tight control over all forms of media and public discourse, effectively prohibiting independent journalism and critical reporting.
• Forced Labor: A particularly notorious aspect of his rule was the state-orchestrated system of forced labor, primarily in the cotton industry. Millions of citizens, including children, were reportedly compelled to work in cotton fields annually, a practice that drew extensive international criticism and boycotts.
• Lack of Pluralism: The political system offered no genuine avenues for political pluralism or democratic participation. Power was heavily concentrated in the hands of the president and a small circle of loyalists, with state institutions serving primarily to enforce presidential directives.

Death and Legacy

Islam Karimov’s long and unchallenged rule came to an end on September 2, 2016, when he died from a stroke. His death marked a significant moment for Uzbekistan, signaling the close of an era dominated by a single, powerful leader since the country's independence. His legacy remains complex; while some credit him with providing stability in a volatile region after the collapse of the Soviet Union, particularly in the face of regional Islamic extremism, this stability came at a severe cost to fundamental freedoms and democratic development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Islam Karimov

When did Islam Karimov lead Uzbekistan?

Islam Karimov led Uzbekistan and its predecessor, the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic, from 1989 until his death on September 2, 2016.

How did Islam Karimov become President of independent Uzbekistan?

He first became President of the Uzbek SSR in March 1990. After declaring Uzbekistan's independence on August 31, 1991, he subsequently won a presidential election in December 1991, though this election was widely criticized for irregularities.

What was the nature of Islam Karimov's rule in Uzbekistan?

His rule was characterized as a repressive authoritarian regime. It was marked by significant human rights abuses, including the suppression of political opposition, severe restrictions on civil liberties, a lack of democratic freedoms, and documented instances of forced labor.