LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND SELF-GOVERNMENT IN UZBEKISTAN: EVOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE MODEL AND THE PROBLEM OF CONCEPTUAL CERTAINTY

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the normative model of local self-government in the Republic of Uzbekistan and details its correlation with local state administration in the context of contemporary constitutional modernization. Applying formal-legal, historical-legal, comparative-legal, and systemic-structural methods, the study identifies a significant institutional and terminological inconsistency in current legislation. Specifically, it highlights the contradiction between formally classifying citizens’ self-government bodies exclusively as civil society institutions and actually endowing them with prominent public-authority powers, while decisions adopted by them bear a mandatory character within their respective territories. Alongside this, the paper investigates the boundary legal status of local state power bodies, within whose system the elements of representation and the horizontal accountability of hokims to Kengashes of People’s Deputies are strengthening. As a result of the research, local governance is conceptualized as a broad generic category. To eliminate conceptual ambiguity, a three-part classification of its organizational and legal forms is proposed: full local self-government, relative local self-government, and local state administration. Specific criteria for delineating these forms and practical proposals for improving the conceptual apparatus are formulated, including the justification for legislatively anchoring the special public-legal nature of the mahalla.