President Tokayev presents reforms package in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is facing another political reform. Changes concerning the further development of the country were announced by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the first session of the Kazakh Parliament of the seventh convocation. He drew attention to the development of political competition in the country. He proposed to reduce the minimum threshold for political parties to enter the Mazhilis from 7 to 5 percent. The reform will also apply to the electoral system. President Tokayev proposed to include the ‘None of the above’ option on the ballots of all levels. This initiative will help protect the right of citizens to vote, he said.

“One of main objectives is to fully protect human rights. At the same time, it is important to ensure maximum freedom of choice for citizens. In world practice, the right of an individual to legitimately express his disagreement with any election or be against all candidates is widespread. In fact, the notion of alternative opinion and voting against all should become a norm for us too. Therefore, ballots of all levels should have an option of ‘None of the Above’,” stressed Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.

It is impossible to increase the welfare of the population without the progressive growth of the national economy. Kazakh President instructed the government to continue macroeconomic policy aimed at supporting economic activity.

“The adoption of the law ‘On Industrial Policy’ is very important. It should provide for specific measures and effective tools to support and stimulate domestic business,” said Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Overall, President Tokayev highlighted seven main priorities for the political and socio-economic development of the country. He said that proposed initiatives are only part of the long-term reforms that are now on the agenda.