How the political institution was improved during the five years of Tokayev’s presidency

Over the five years of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s presidency, the country has seen an improvement in political institutions, Liter.kz reports.

By decree of October 21, 2020, the next elections of deputies of the Mazhilis of Parliament were scheduled, which were successfully held on January 10-11, 2020.

The institution of parliamentary opposition was introduced by law. In order to increase political competition and expand freedom of choice, amendments have been made to the relevant legislation to reduce the threshold for the passage of political parties from seven to five percent and to include the column “Against all” in the ballot papers.

Amendments to the laws on elections and political parties have been adopted, which establish a quota for women, youth and persons with disabilities on electoral party lists.

A law has been signed regulating the procedure for organizing and holding peaceful assemblies. The law provides for a notification procedure for holding meetings, and clarifies the delimitation of the rights and responsibilities of organizers, participants and observers.

In 2022, measures have been taken to ensure a comprehensive transformation of the entire state model with fundamental political reforms. The amendments and additions made to the Constitution following the results of the republican referendum (77.1% of citizens voted for their adoption) are aimed at further democratization, redistribution of a number of power powers, including strengthening the role and raising the status of Parliament. A number of novelties expand the participation of the population in government. As a result, a number of presidential powers were excluded, a limit was established on the terms of his election, and the system of the representative branch of government was completely reformatted.

Photo: Akorda

The Constitution prohibits the presence of the head of state, the chairman and judges of the Constitutional Court, the chairmen and members of the Central Election Commission and the Supreme Court of Audit in political parties during the period of their powers.

This made it possible to ensure equidistance and independence of these entities from political parties in their activities.

In accordance with the requirements of the new mixed proportional-majoritarian system, early elections to the Mazhilis of Parliament were held in 2023.

The democratization of the process of appointing regional akims continued with the introduction of mandatory alternative candidates and the approval of a new procedure for their approval by maslikhats.

One of the key reforms in the process of political modernization and democratization of society was the introduction of the institution of election of rural akims. Also in 2023, direct elections of akims of districts and cities of regional significance, as well as elections to maslikhats under the new electoral system, were held. In accordance with the Address of the Head of State dated September 1, 2023, “The Economic Course of a Fair Kazakhstan,” pilot elections were held for 45 akims of districts and cities of regional significance.

In accordance with the Constitutional Law “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan”, from 2025 in Kazakhstan, elections of akims of districts and cities of regional significance will be held on an ongoing basis.

In the representative branch of government, to actively involve parties in issues of strengthening national unity and public harmony, a parliamentary deputy group “Bir el – bir mudde” was created. The Order “El Birligi” was also established, awarded for contribution to the preservation of public harmony.

According to the decision of the first meeting of the National Kurultai, Republic Day on October 25 was returned to the status of a national holiday.