Kazakhstan’s Elections Herald Radical Political Reforms in Central Asia, Notes State Counselor Karin
Local Elections in Kazakhstan Mark First Democratic Processes in Central Asia
The recent elections of local akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan have made history as the inaugural experience of such democratic processes in Central Asia, according to State Counselor Erlan Karin. In a statement on his Telegram channel on November 6, Karin emphasized the significance of these elections, highlighting their role in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s ongoing political reforms that aim to modernize the region.
Karin underscored the unprecedented nature of these elections, noting that while rural akims have been elected for the past two years, leading to the selection of approximately 1,700 rural akims, the recent elections marked the first instance of such democratic exercises in the country.
The elections drew great interest from society, with a diverse pool of candidates coming from various professional backgrounds such as economists, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and agriculturalists. All seven political parties nominated candidates, indicating broad-based involvement in the democratic process. A total of 125 candidates competed for 45 akim positions.
The Central Election Commission reported a notable voter turnout of 62.79% for the first-ever direct elections of akims in districts and cities of regional significance on November 5. This high figure demonstrates a robust level of civil engagement.
According to Karin, the groundbreaking nature of these elections not only sets a precedent for the region but also symbolizes Kazakhstan’s commitment to embracing democratic values and enhancing citizen participation in governance. These elections represent a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards political modernization and are expected to bring about positive changes in local governance across Kazakhstan.
