Authorities to disqualify projects with forced votes in 'Open Budget' initiative

According to the ministry, instances of coerced voting were identified at School No. 37 in Kuva district, Fergana region. Upon investigation by the relevant authorities, it was confirmed that school staff had been pressured into participating in the vote.

As a result, the Ministry of Economy and Finance has submitted an official request to the district council of people’s deputies to exclude these projects from the voting stage.

"If you encounter cases of forced vote collection, please report them immediately to the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment's hotline at (71) 200-06-00," the statement emphasized.

The ministry also reminded that compelling individuals to vote within the 'Open Budget' process is classified as forced labor.

Earlier, Minister of Preschool and School Education Hilola Umarova revealed that a school principal in Kuva district attempted to deduct 700,000 UZS from teachers’ salaries to collect votes for the 'Open Budget' program. The principal’s employment contract was subsequently terminated.