WNAM REPORT: Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev welcomed the strengthening of political competition in the country at the 2nd Republican Forum of Maslikhat Deputies of all levels.
“I expect that today we will discuss the most important issues, including those related to the activities of maslikhats. As you know, in recent years we have carried out a comprehensive modernization of all spheres of society. Political reforms hold a special place in that transformation process. Following the 2022 referendum, important amendments were made to the Constitution. The role of Parliament has been significantly strengthened. Erlan Koshanov [Ed.note – Majilis Speaker] delviered a detailed report on the current activities of the legislative body. Specific measures have been taken to improve the activities of all branches of government, including local representative bodies. In particular, elections to regional maslikhats are now held under a mixed system, while district deputies are elected solely under a majoritarian system,” said President Tokayev, expressing confidence that this step has given impetus to Kazakhstan’s progress on the path towards democratization.
In his words, one of the results of the large-scale transformations has been the strengthening of political competition.
“The recent elections, which were held under new rules, allowed for the renewal of the maslikhats. Representatives of six political parties entered the deputy corps. Currently, only a tenth of the maslikhat members are deputies elected by party lists. The rest were elected in single-member districts. 434 self-nominated candidates were elected as deputies,” noted the Head of State.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that previously political parties did not pay due attention to working with different segments of society.
“It should be admitted that previously political parties did not pay due attention to working with different segments of society. The situation changed only after the relevant amendments were introduced into the law. For example, a special quota for youth was established in the party list. This made it possible to involve young citizens in socio-political processes. Previously, the share of youth in the maslikhats was less than 2%. Thanks to legislative changes, this figure has increased severalfold. There are many young deputies in this hall who speak from high tribunes about the pressing issues concerning Kazakhstani youth,” the President said.
