Uzbek President Islam Karimov has signed a law on amendments to the constitution, broadening the powers of the parliament and prime minister.

According to the amendments ratified by Karimov on April 17, the prime minister now has a right to nominate regional governors and the Tashkent mayor. Until now, the president has appointed them himself.

The amendments also give parliament the right to control the cabinet's activities via regular reports by the prime minister to lawmakers. Also, the prime minister's nomination must be approved by parliament.

Parliament now also has the right to express its confidence in the government via vote and be involved in the formation of the Central Election Commission.

Karimov, a former Communist Party boss, has ruled his country with an iron fist for more than two decades.
 

Based on reporting by Interfax and 12news.uz