President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan delivers his Address to the Nation in Nur-Sultan on Sept 1 and announces a series of reform measures. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
NUR-SULTAN – The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has announced snap presidential elections this autumn in a major Address to the Nation.
Moreover, elections to the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) and Maslikhats (local representative body) will be held in the first half of 2023, according to Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR of the PRC.
President Tokayev was addressing the program of reform and political modernization toward a New Kazakhstan with a series of fundamental and comprehensive political reforms and continuing the process of decentralising political power, as well as the socio-economic development of the country, on Sept 1 in the capital.
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that “within the framework of political modernisation in our country, the development of parliamentarism occupies a central place”, and that that “all institutional changes envisaged by the constitutional reform must be legislatively completed by the end of the year”
Among the moves is a recommendation that a presidential term limit of one term of seven years be introduced. And re-election could be prohibited. These changes are to be eviewed and voted on by the Parliament after the presidential election.
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The president emphasized that “within the framework of political modernisation in our country, the development of parliamentarism occupies a central place”, and that that “all institutional changes envisaged by the constitutional reform must be legislatively completed by the end of the year”.
He cited the importance of securing a “new democratic mandate” for the “successful implementation of fundamental and comprehensive reforms, on the way to creating a fair Kazakhstan”.
Referring to the major political reforms announced in March, which dramatically expanded the space for new political parties, the president said he hoped that these reforms would “intensify political competition, and contribute to the emergence of a new wave of national deputies.”
Addressing another major theme of the New Kazakhstan reforms, President Tokayev also renewed his commitment to strengthening the rule of law in Kazakhstan.
He announced that reforms of the judicial system, and particularly of the Supreme Court, would remove “governmental pressure on judges”. Tokayev also spoke the importance of prioritizing competence throughout the judicial system, stressing that all judges “must be highly qualified, honest, and free from corruption.”
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Focusing on the socio-economic development in Kazakhstan, the Head of State stressed that “we will radically change the relationship between citizens, business, and state, adding that “first and foremost, the state provides everyone with equal opportunities and ensures justice.”
Focusing on the socio-economic development in Kazakhstan, the Head of State stressed that “we will radically change the relationship between citizens, business, and state, adding that “first and foremost, the state provides everyone with equal opportunities and ensures justice”
He noted that the priorities of the new economic course will be stimulating private entrepreneurial initiative, moving away from state capitalism and excessive state intervention in the economy, the development of competition, the provision of equal opportunities for all and fair distribution of the national income.
The leader of Kazakhstan, in reference to the transit potential of the country, stated that “Kazakhstan is a very important land corridor between Asia and Europe in the current geopolitical situation. We must take full advantage of this opportunity and become a global transportation hub.”
And visas for high-skilled foreigners and significant investors will be simplified and made more accessible.
President Tokayev announced several new initiatives aimed at increasing quality of life for citizens across Kazakhstan.
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This file photo shows the venue for President Tokayev to deliver his Address to the Nation on Sept 1, the second of its kind after a March address. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
From 1 January 2024, 50 percent of the annual investment income of the National Investment Fund will be allocated to special savings accounts for children until they reach the age of 18. This will then be used to purchase housing and receive education when children turn 18, as well as other initiatives. The President also instructed to direct the money seized from corrupt officials to the construction of schools
These included increasing the minimum wage from 60,000 to 70,000 tenge for over 1.8 million citizens, ensuring stable and affordable lending to the real sector, allocation of land to entrepreneurs, building medical centres in 650 villages within two years, which would provide access to primary health care for more than a million citizens.
Turning to the priority of education, a key building block for Kazakhstan’s future economic success, President Tokayev announced establishment of the National Fund for Children.
From 1 January 2024, 50 percent of the annual investment income of the National Investment Fund will be allocated to special savings accounts for children until they reach the age of 18. This will then be used to purchase housing and receive education when children turn 18, as well as other initiatives. The President also instructed to direct the money seized from corrupt officials to the construction of schools.
Commenting on the tragic January events this year, the president announced an amnesty for those convicted in participating in violent actions and crimes during the events.
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Explaining his decision, he said: “Both those who participated in the protests and members of law enforcement agencies are our citizens. Some of those who broke the law have acknowledged their guilt. I think it's best to treat them with forgiveness.”
Tokayev noted that the amnesty will not apply to those accused of terrorists, extremists and torture, and that these extremely serious crimes will be considered by the judicial system.
Concluding his Address, President Tokayev emphasized that “the creation of a Fair Kazakhstan is just beginning. This course is unwavering and will continue regardless of any circumstances of an internal and external nature.”