Independent parliamentary candidates are being nominated for
the first time in Uzbekistan and the elections on 12th December
will "differ greatly" from previous elections in the country,
four independent candidates said in "Maslak va Maqsad" ("Task
and Purpose"), a special 30-minute slot in which they presented
their election manifestoes. It was broadcast on Uzbek TV on 9th
November at 1830 local time (1330 gmt).

The first independent candidate, captioned as Shomurod
Holmurodov, editor-in-chief of `Yangier Tongi' (`Yangier
Morning') newspaper said: "Before, no candidate had the the
right to present his or her own manifesto. If you vote for me I
will do everything I can to help you solve your urgent problems
.I will share all your joys and troubles with you, dear voters.
I will pay special attention to the problems of youth
unemployment. Also I will pay attention to the sphere of health
care and education. All of these issues have been included in
my manifesto."

The second independent candidate, captioned as Tohir
Mirodilov, the chief physician of a clinic in Tashkent said: "I
will do my very best to become a worthy and responsible deputy
in the Supreme Assembly and I will do everything possible to
solve your problems and to support you in future."

The third independent candidate, captioned as Abdubahodir
Mahkamov, the chairman of the chamber of enterpreneurs and
commodity producers of Chinaz District of Tashkent Region said:
" If you vote for me, this will mean that you are supporting
the implementation of economic reforms and the provision of
good living conditions for people."

The fourth independent candidate, captioned as Nurmuhammad
Yodgorov, a teacher from Chiroqchi District of southern
Kashkadarya Region, started by praising his home town. He said
that the ancient ruler Tamerlane the Great was born on that
land and many famous people had lived in the town. He said:" If
you vote for me, I will try to come up to your expectations. I
will pay special attention to resolving the most important
problems in the Region, particularly to the development of
education."

All four candidates expressed their admiration of
President Islam Karimov and said that he was the only one
worthy of becoming the next president of Uzbekistan.

Source: Uzbek Television first channel, Tashkent, in Uzbek 1330
gmt 09 Nov 99
BBC Mon CAU 101199/** JF/YD