(VOVworld) – 9,000 polling stations opened Sunday for presidential election in Uzbekistan. According to Uzbekistan’s central election commission, 21 million voters were eligible to cast their ballots in 14 administrative regions. Russia's Federal Migration Service said additional 44 polling stations were open the same day at Uzbek diplomatic representations abroad, including in Russia, where at least two million Uzbeks work as migrant laborers.

Polling stations for Uzbek presidential election opens from 6am (local time). (Photo: www.news.cn)

4 candidates are the most potential to race for the next 5-year presidency, including incumbent President Islam Karimov. Voting was monitored by 300 international observers from 43 countries. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is expected to provide its assessment of the ballot on Monday.