Advancing Modern Democracy in Kazakhstan: Scholarly and Political Insights.

Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Kazakhstan has made considerable progress in establishing a democratic society. The country, however, still confronts obstacles in strengthening democratic institutions, guaranteeing political liberties, and fostering inclusive governance. The imminent parliamentary and local elections on March 19, 2023, present an exceptional opportunity for Kazakhstan to further its democratic evolution.

I, Dr. Glenn Agung Hole participate in this crucial election as an international observer. On Friday, I held several bilateral meetings with representatives from the university sector, the country's academy for public administration, and the national institute for strategic studies, directly subordinate to the country's President.

Kazakhstan's President has made noteworthy accomplishments in consistently implementing political reforms. These include introducing a mixed electoral system, reducing the threshold for political party representation in parliament, and implementing a legal quota for women, youth, and individuals with special needs. These measures facilitate political pluralism, augment voter options, and guarantee more extensive representation in parliament.

The mixed electoral system, an inventive approach that merges proportional representation with first-past-the-post, balances political party expression and individual constituency representation. Employing single-member districts in elections fosters local governance and accountability.

Kazakhstan encourages political pluralism and competition by decreasing the threshold for political parties to enter parliament from seven to five per cent. This alteration provides more excellent representation for opposition parties and stimulates the creation of diverse political coalitions.

The legal quota for women, youth, and persons with special needs exemplifies a progressive policy that advocates for inclusive governance. This policy acknowledges the significance of varied perspectives in decision-making processes and ensures that Kazakhstan's parliament represents all societal segments.

International election observers contribute to the credibility of the elections and bolster transparency and accountability. The involvement of the OSCE and other global organisations reflects Kazakhstan's dedication to conducting free, open, and impartial elections.

Despite the considerable progress Kazakhstan has made in constructing a democratic society, much work remains to be accomplished. The nation must persist in fostering political pluralism, safeguarding political freedoms, and enhancing accountability and transparency. The forthcoming parliamentary and local elections provide a prime opportunity for Kazakhstan to solidify its democratic institutions and advocate inclusive governance.

In summary, the parliamentary and local elections scheduled for March 19, 2023, are pivotal in developing a contemporary democracy in Kazakhstan. The employment of a mixed electoral system, the reduced threshold for political parties, the legal quota for women, youth, and individuals with special needs, and the presence of international election observers, including myself, all reflect Kazakhstan's commitment to democratic progression. Although there is still work to be done, the nation is on a promising path towards cultivating a democratic society that champions fairness, equality, and inclusion.

Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Election: Way to Building Democracy - The Astana Times