Kazakh envoy briefs press on his country’s presidential elections

AMMAN — Kazakhstan’s early presidential elections, which were held last Sunday and won by President Kassym-Jomart-Tokayev , were a “historically significant” event, and one of the most transformative periods in the country’s modern history, Kazakh Ambassador Aidarabek Tumatov said.اضافة اعلان

In a press conference he held recently to discuss the outcome of the elections, he said President Tokayev of the People’s Coalition received more than 81 percent of the votes, according to the Central Election Commission. He said 8,300,046 citizens cast their ballot, a voter turnout of 69.44 percent. Some 11,953,465 eligible voters were registered to vote.

Tumatov said, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that this was the seventh presidential election in Kazakhstan since the country’s independence in 1991.

“Kazakhstan experienced significant challenges in January, which were a catalyst for the transformation that our country has experienced,” he said. “Our president used this crisis to implement major positive changes.”

“In line with recent constitutional changes, the elected head of state will serve a seven-year term without the right for re-election,” he noted.

Earlier this month, he said President Tokayev publicly signed six important laws adopted following a referendum held last June. He added that entry into force of these laws is contributing to greater democratization of the political system and a further improvement of the system of checks and balances between the branches of state power.

The envoy said his country’s key reforms include the redistribution of powers from the president to parliament, establishment of the Constitutional Court from January next year, simplified procedures for registering political parties, increased participation of citizens in the governance of the state, as well as further protection of human rights.

Tumatov said that among the key objectives are the decentralization, and distribution of power across the country, strengthened rule of law, and equal opportunities for every citizen.

Following the results of the elections, he said President Tokayev stated: “We will clearly and consistently implement the constitutional reform. We are moving to a new form of the political structure of the country. Cardinal changes will occur in the economy. We will improve the welfare of citizens. To translate all these goals into reality, we need unity. Therefore, I call on everyone you to unity.”

The envoy also quoted President Tokayev as adding: “The government will remain in office, but point-by-point changes in the composition of the government and other agencies will of course take place.” He also noted that he would announce the date of parliamentary elections at the end of the year.”

Regarding Kazakhstan’s foreign policy, the president said “Kazakhstan must conduct a multi-vector foreign policy and should be committed to the UN Charter and pursue a peaceful foreign policy.”