Over the past three years, Kazakhstan has embarked on a series of comprehensive reforms under the leadership of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, aiming to modernize governance, enhance economic resilience, and improve social welfare. These initiatives are collectively steering the nation towards the vision of a “Just Kazakhstan.” – writes Colin Stevens.
2022: Political Modernization and Constitutional Reforms
In 2022, President Tokayev initiated significant political reforms to transition Kazakhstan from a super-presidential system to a presidential-parliamentary model. This shift was formalised through a national referendum that amended 33 articles of the Constitution. Key changes included the introduction of a mixed electoral system for the Mazhilis (the lower house of Parliament), with 70% of members elected via party lists and 30% through single-mandate constituencies. Regional maslikhats (local representative bodies) adopted a 50/50 electoral mix, while city and district maslikhats returned to a majority system. The first elections under this new framework were conducted in 2023, marking a pivotal step towards enhanced democratic representation.
Additionally, the Constitutional Court, abolished in 1995, was reinstated and resumed its functions on January 1, 2023. In its first year, the court received 3,708 appeals, leading to decisions in 21 cases, primarily focusing on legislative improvements.
2023: Enhancing Local Governance and Energy Policy
To promote local governance and citizen participation, Kazakhstan held pilot elections for district and regional city akims (governors) in 2023. Residents directly elected akims in 42 districts and three cities, with a voter turnout of 62.8%, indicating robust public engagement. This democratization effort aimed to increase accountability and empower citizens in regional development.
In the energy sector, President Tokayev proposed constructing a nuclear power plant to diversify energy sources and ensure sustainable development. Emphasizing public involvement, he advocated for a national referendum to decide on this critical infrastructure project, reflecting a commitment to participatory decision-making.
2024: Economic Diversification and Social Welfare Initiatives
The focus in 2024 shifted towards economic diversification and social welfare. The government implemented policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their role in job creation and economic resilience. Initiatives included simplifying regulatory frameworks and providing financial incentives to stimulate entrepreneurial activity.
Social welfare reforms targeted healthcare and education. In healthcare, investments were made to improve infrastructure and expand access to services, particularly in rural areas. Educational reforms aimed to modernize curricula and enhance vocational training, aligning educational outcomes with labour market needs.
Collectively, these reforms from 2022 to 2024 represent a strategic effort to build a “Just Kazakhstan,” characterised by democratic governance, economic vitality, and social equity. The initiatives underscore a holistic approach to nation-building, addressing structural challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable development.
Share this article:
Related Topics:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. This article was produced with the assistance of AI tools, with final review and edits conducted by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and integrity.