The Kurultai faces higher expectations under
Kazakhstan’s new political system. International expert Sheradil Baktygulov
believes the effectiveness of the legislative body will largely depend on the
composition of its members. The quality of legislation, the effectiveness of
public administration, and effective oversight of the executive branch will all
depend on the deputies' professional expertise and competence.
«How cooperation between the branches of government
evolves will largely depend on the quality of the Kurultai deputies. We will,
of course, be watching closely to see what kind of legislation is passed and
what decisions are made at the highest levels of government in Kazakhstan,» said Sheradil Baktygulov, Director of the Institute of
World Politics, Kyrgyzstan.
The first elections to the Kurultai are being held
following the entry into force of Kazakhstan’s new Constitution. According to
experts, they will complete the formation of the country’s new system of
representative government. Voting will take place under a party-list system.
Analysts say this format will increase political parties’ accountability to
voters and ensure broader representation of society’s interests in the
legislature. Recent opinion polls also indicate strong public interest in the
August 23 vote.
«According to opinion polls, more than 70% of citizens
intend to vote in the upcoming elections. Older voters have also shown a high
level of interest in participating. The polls further indicate that Kazakh
citizens view the country’s socio-political situation as stable and favorable,»
Didar Tebayev,
expert consultant at the Center for Institutional Analysis and Reforms of the
Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development (KIPD).
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