On May 25, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a number of laws. They include the introduction of direct elections of rural akims (mayors of regional districts), lowering the threshold for political parties to get elected into the Majilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan from 7% to 5% of votes, and the introduction of the “against all” option on voting ballots in all elections.
The introduction of direct elections of rural akims will facilitate the involvement of citizens and enhance the accountability of local government bodies towards the needs and issues of the population.
To be elected as an akim, a candidate must be at least 25 years of age at the time of the election and meet the necessary requirements.
Elections will be announced 40 days in advance and will be held 10 days before the expiration of the term of the incumbent akim. The term of the election campaign will be 30 days.
Lowering the threshold from 7% to 5% of votes for political parties to get elected into the Majilis of Parliament will increase political competition. Introduction of the “against all” option on voting ballots is a democratic tool that enables voters to voice an alternative opinion, which creates conditions for the protection of the electoral rights of citizens.
These amendments to certain legislative acts on elections were adopted as part of President Tokayev’s concept of the “Listening state”, in the framework of the key initiatives of his political reforms’ package.
The Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of Sweden and in the Kingdom of Denmark was opened on March 8, 2014 by direct decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a view to strengthening diplomatic relations. The site is introduced to keep the wide public informed on activity of the diplomatic mission in Sweden, and to provide information support for the citizens of Kazakhstan who live in Sweden and foreigners who are going to visit Kazakhstan as tourists or businessmen.