Written by: Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad.
The successful conduct of statecraft shown by the leadership of Kazakhstan has resulted in many significant changes and development in recent times. The country is headed towards a great transformation of all time due to the early election, going to take place on 20th November 2022. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made this decision by taking into account the internal situation of the country which shed light on the urgent need to conduct elections. It is expected that Excellency Tokayev will be re-elected as his visionary policies and robust projects have steered the country on the path of glorious development and progress.
It is anticipated that the upcoming presidential elections will be held under an entirely new format. The mission deployed a core team of 11 international experts based in Astana and 30 long-term observers, who will travel to the remotest parts of Kazakhstan in 15 two-person teams. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) also plans to request 300 short-term observers arrive several days before the election day. On election day, the ODIHR mission will observe the opening of polling stations, voting, the counting of ballots and the tabulation of results. Now, these initiatives speak volumes about the transparency of the electoral process and maintaining the rule of law in the country.
All these developments clearly depict that Kazakhstan is going to witness a golden era of modernization under new constitutional reforms and amendments as per the order of the President. This transition will be a hallmark of the country’s success in the future. It is noteworthy that President Tokayev’s far-sightedness and prudence have enabled Kazakhstan to emerge as a key player in the comity of nations. In June 2022, he signed six constitutional amendments into law to expand human rights into state politics. Moreover, in his national address of 1st September 2022, President Tokayev introduced a major transformation of laws, policies and future dynamics for the people of the state.
The constitutional reforms and nationwide referendum have paved the way for new elections to be held in November 2022. The broad agenda of ‘citizen-business-state’, human rights protection, robust civil rights, strong economy and public administration, and political modernization have remained key tenants of transformation and constitutional amendments. Furthermore, a people-centric approach is the core value of Kazakhstan. Thus, a fair distribution of national wealth and equal opportunity for every citizen is a key goal of the new reforms.
A Strong President, Influential Parliament, and Accountable Government:
The global community has been taking a keen interest in the political processes of Kazakhstan. As an ally and friendly country, it is also imperative for Pakistan to understand what the government and the state as a whole will do next with new recommendations after the elections. Keeping the great legacy intact, President Tokayev stands as the strongest candidate to again win the election. He carries the slogan of ‘’Kazakhstan, for all and for everyone’’. He has been promoting political modernization in the country along with an effective and practical roadmap that will usher into a new golden era for the nation.
He is a man with pure wisdom and statesmanship and has masterfully outmanoeuvred rivals on all fronts. In contemporary times, Kazakhstan stands as a united and developed nation. A proactive approach and signing of multilateral agreements of regional cooperation and socio-economic development with other countries have brought international support vis-à-vis sustainable political narrative. All these actions have made him the most popular leader not only in Kazakhstan but also in the wider region.
Dynamic leadership seeks happiness for the people and progress for humanity. No matter how the global situation might have changed, Kazakhstan has always pursued the shared human values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom. It has championed internationalism, stood on the right side of history and the progressive side of humanity, and contributed to global peace and development. This progress was made possible due to President Tokayev’s far-sightedness and visions that have helped Kazakhstan to become more resilient.
The forthcoming election will be the most significant event of the year, along with set targets for political modernizing, tackling common challenges, and fostering development in Kazakhstan. I wish all the best to Kazakhstan in its electrical process with fairness and accountability. The electoral transparency will be exemplary for practising democracy and steering Kazakhstan on the path of a glorious future.
