President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for an extraordinary presidential election this fall.
“A new trust mandate of the people is needed for the successful implementation of fundamental and comprehensive reforms on the way to creating a fair Kazakhstan,” Tokayev said during his State-of-the-Nation Address on September 1.
In addition, the President proposed major revisions to the number and length of presidential terms. “I suggest that the presidential term will be limited to seven years. However, re-election is not permitted,” he stated.
According to the President, the suggested novelty will significantly reduce the risks of power monopolization.
Tokayev also proposed to hold elections to the Kazakh Parliament and Maslikhats (local representative bodies) in the first half of 2023.
“We are building a fair Kazakhstan with open competition and equal opportunities for everyone,” said the President.
Tokayev focused on the importance of carrying out major political transformations in a transparent way.
The President said that public disclosure of the timing and sequence of the new electoral cycle is consistent with the principles of openness in decision-making.
“All these steps gradually fill our main formula “a strong President – an influential Parliament – an accountable Government” with real content,” he said.
