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Uzbeks set to re-elect president Uzbeks set to re-elect president
(about 1 hour later)
Voters in Uzbekistan are taking part in a presidential election expected to be won by incumbent Islam Karimov against largely token opposition.Voters in Uzbekistan are taking part in a presidential election expected to be won by incumbent Islam Karimov against largely token opposition.
Mr Karimov has faced widespread Western criticism for human rights abuses during his 18-year rule.Mr Karimov has faced widespread Western criticism for human rights abuses during his 18-year rule.
The two terms he is allowed under the constitution have ended and there is no explanation as to why he can run again.The two terms he is allowed under the constitution have ended and there is no explanation as to why he can run again.
Many organisations, including the BBC, have been refused permission to cover the election.Many organisations, including the BBC, have been refused permission to cover the election.
Moved abroadMoved abroad
Mr Karimov, 69, bids for a third seven-year term. Mr Karimov, 69, is standing for a third seven-year term.
Uzbeks resignedSilenced societyUzbeks resignedSilenced society
He faces three virtually unknown candidates who have all praised his running of the economy and have not explicitly asked Uzbeks to vote for them.He faces three virtually unknown candidates who have all praised his running of the economy and have not explicitly asked Uzbeks to vote for them.
Mr Karimov, the top Communist leader when Uzbekistan was a Soviet republic, says he will take the country "towards a free society and prosperous life".Mr Karimov, the top Communist leader when Uzbekistan was a Soviet republic, says he will take the country "towards a free society and prosperous life".
Rights organisations say that although there are four candidates, the poll cannot be regarded as free and fair.Rights organisations say that although there are four candidates, the poll cannot be regarded as free and fair.
Human Rights Watch said true political opposition was suppressed and that the government "severely restricts free expression and persecutes independent journalists".Human Rights Watch said true political opposition was suppressed and that the government "severely restricts free expression and persecutes independent journalists".
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe does have a 21-strong team observing the poll but said comprehensive monitoring was pointless "due to the apparent limited nature of the competition".The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe does have a 21-strong team observing the poll but said comprehensive monitoring was pointless "due to the apparent limited nature of the competition".
Mr Karimov's rule has been marred by the crackdown on opposition in the city of Andijan in 2005.Mr Karimov's rule has been marred by the crackdown on opposition in the city of Andijan in 2005.
Government troops opened fire on thousands of demonstrators. Eye witnesses said hundreds of civilians died at a peaceful protest but Mr Karimov insisted the security forces had killed only 189 Islamist militants.Government troops opened fire on thousands of demonstrators. Eye witnesses said hundreds of civilians died at a peaceful protest but Mr Karimov insisted the security forces had killed only 189 Islamist militants.
Mr Karimov was leader when Uzbekistan was a Soviet stateMr Karimov was leader when Uzbekistan was a Soviet state
The government has since been accused of many cases of torture.The government has since been accused of many cases of torture.
Millions of Uzbeks have gone to live and work abroad.Millions of Uzbeks have gone to live and work abroad.
Mr Karimov has also become more stridently anti-Western amid criticism over Andijan.Mr Karimov has also become more stridently anti-Western amid criticism over Andijan.
In the presidential election of 2000, Mr Karimov's supposed opponent admitted he voted for the Uzbek leader.In the presidential election of 2000, Mr Karimov's supposed opponent admitted he voted for the Uzbek leader.
Uzbekistan is rich in energy and resources but its economy is in dire shape, says the BBC's Central Asia correspondent, Natalia Antelava.Uzbekistan is rich in energy and resources but its economy is in dire shape, says the BBC's Central Asia correspondent, Natalia Antelava.
The media is controlled by the state, the internet is censored and agents of President Karimov's powerful secret services are everywhere, keeping a close watch on every citizen, she says.The media is controlled by the state, the internet is censored and agents of President Karimov's powerful secret services are everywhere, keeping a close watch on every citizen, she says.