Excerpts from report by Uzbek TV on 21st September

As you know, on 5th December this year there will be elections
to the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Today,
preparations for this event is in full swing. How have the
political parties in our country organized their election
campaign? Our correspondent reports from Samarkand.
[passage omitted: general remarks on the importance of
elections]

[Rahmonqul Hamroqulov, chairman of the Samarkand Regional
council of the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan,
captioned] At present our party has about 50,000 members. They
work mainly in production, industrial and agricultural spheres.
Most of the members of our party work in the production sector.

[Mamayunus Pardayev, chairman of the Samarkand Region's
council of Vatan Taraqqiyoti (Homeland Progress) Party,
captioned] In general, when we speak about the place of these
parties in our society I am, in particular, speaking on behalf
of Homeland Progress Party, it should have had a perceptible
place in society. However I am, personally, as a leader, as a
second secretary of this party, not satisfied with the activity
of this and, in general, with the work of all parties.

[Bahodir Sharofov, chairman of the Samarkand Region's
council of Fidokorlar (Self-sacrificers) National Democratic
Party, captioned] Today, parties have started their campaign to
gain the support of more voters in our society. Today, people
also think before they decide to express their support, they do
not believe in empty words. If the programme of this or that
person can convince people with their practical work, if a
nominee can convince people that he is able to improve their
lives then people will vote for this or that candidate.

[passage to end omitted: all parties try to implement
their programme]

Source: Uzbek Television second channel, Tashkent, in Uzbek
1400 gmt 21 Sep 99