Expert opinion on Kazakh presidential election

Experts, politicians, diplomats and analysts call the presidential election in Kazakhstan an important step towards the democratization of society, while the European partners support the country’s reforms, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The EU's top diplomat noted that Kazakhstan will remain the most important trade partner of the European Union in the region. He added that the role of Central Asia and its transit potential in the world would only increase. 

“And, we are following closely the reform process in Kazakhstan, and we encourage this process to continue, and become irreversible. And, certainly we have to praise the reforms that have been started,” Borrell said.

Experts define the main political event of this year as the starting point for a fundamental reboot of the entire political system of Kazakhstan and its key state institutions. Expert of the Institute of World Economics and Politics Arman Toktushakov notes that the presidential election is the beginning of the formation of a new, more democratic model of government. The parliamentary elections scheduled for next year will become the next stage of political transformation, he added.

“It is essential to understand that the Parliament, as the most important political institution, will be reformed. Two or three new parties are likely to emerge in the future. They will undergo all the necessary registration procedures. Most importantly, the competition is increasing. Competition is the main factor in promoting democracy. The more competition there is, the more alternative viewpoints on the country’s development will be put forward. And most importantly, why are these political reforms so important for an ordinary Kazakh citizen? Because it is the government and political system that is in charge of the implementation of economic reforms in the country. If our political system is renewed, it will become more efficient, balanced and transparent, which in turn will positively affect the well-being and quality of life of all Kazakh citizens,” Toktushakov said.