AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL LAW "ON ELECTIONS IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN"
On May 24, 2021, the Head of State K.-J. K. Tokayev signed the Constitutional Law "On Amendments and Additions to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan" On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan "and the Law" On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Elections. "
The following major changes have been made:
The law lowered the electoral barrier for political parties from 7 to 5 percent for elections to the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and maslikhats of all levels. Lowering the barrier will help stabilize the party system, the emergence of new political parties and inter-electoral competition.
The column “Against all” is introduced into the ballots.
The changes determined direct elections of akims of cities of district significance, villages, townships, rural districts. Citizens of Kazakhstan who are at least 25 years old who meet the qualification requirements in accordance with the legislation on civil service can be elected as akims. The nomination of candidates for akim is provided by both political parties and self-nomination of citizens or akim of the region in situations determined by law. Akim is elected for 4 years.