President Tokayev Elected Chairman of Nur Otan, Offers New Vision of Ruling Party’s Development

Nur-Sultan, 28 January 2022 – The President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, took part in the extraordinary 21st Congress of Nur Otan, the ruling political party in the country.

During the Congress, which took place via videoconference, he was unanimously elected as Chairman of the Nur Otan Party.

Addressing the online meeting, President Tokayev stated that Nur Otan has made a significant contribution to achieving concrete successes in various areas. At the same time, he emphasized that the work of the party requires substantial restructuring. This includes strengthening solidarity within the ranks of the party, involving representatives of various socio-political circles and genuine leaders who have the confidence of citizens. He stressed that “the further viability of the party depends on the extent to which campaign promises are fulfilled.” In this regard, the party, together with the government and akimats, will have to conduct a complete audit of the fulfillment of election promises.

President Tokayev criticized members of the Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) for insufficient engagement with the public, adding that it is a direct duty of the MPs to thoroughly understand current issues, clearly explain and defend the position of the party, without indulging in outright populism. He said: “It is necessary to strengthen the participation of party members in solving urgent problems in the country’s regions,” adding that some MPs lacked authority among the citizens as it was clearly noticeable during the tragic January events.

Focusing on the need to execute the reforms President Tokayev said: “I have put forward an extensive agenda on the full modernisation of the country. Nur Otan needs to actively engage in its implementation and act as an engine of progressive changes and development of Kazakhstan.”

Further touching upon the tragic events in January, the President emphasized that authorities are conducting investigations to identify and prosecute those responsible. This work will be carried out within the framework of the law and human rights will be unquestioningly respected. He noted that systemic corruption became a kind of trigger for what happened, stressing that it is important to create a total rejection of corrupt behavior by citizens in society. He added that Nur Otan will have to add new ideas to its anti-corruption strategy.

Tokayev acknowledged the important role that the First President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, played in the development of the country. Noting Kazakhstan’s economic achievements, its role in building foreign relations and participation in the global nuclear disarmament movement, among other successes, the President said: “Let us give due credit to the historic achievements of the First President, focus on his undeniable successes and virtues, and regard the possible mistakes as lessons for the future rulers of our country.”

At the same time, Tokayev said he might consider stepping down as the party’s chairman in the future, after rolling out a political reform package that would require the president to maintain an "equidistant status" from all parties. He explained that as head of the state, “I will serve as a guarantor of open and fair political competition. My constitutional duty is to ensure the coordinated actions of all branches of power and the responsibility of state bodies to the people. This implies a certain distancing of the President from the activities of any parties and movements.”