"Last year in Kazakhstan, on the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the institute of direct elections of mayors of the rural level was introduced. The Head of State also announced the election of district akims in 2024.
On March 1, in his speech at the extraordinary XXII congress of the ruling party, he, returning to this topic, stressed: "I think we should not delay with the elections of district akims." So, the election of akims will be held either this year or in 2023? Of course, this is due to the expectations of the society for political reforms. The processes are also accelerated by the current situation of "turbulence" in the post-Soviet space, and throughout the world.
In the elections held on July 25, 2021 in Kostanay region, 65 mayors of villages, rural districts, and settlements were directly elected by the population. 65 candidates were nominated by political parties in 59 electoral districts. 95 people were nominated by self-nomination. In 6 electoral districts, candidates were nominated only by self-nomination.
Voter turnout was 84.4 percent in the region. This is proof that the population is really interested in the election of the akim of their village, rural district, village, speaks of an increase in confidence in the electoral processes.
Direct elections of mayors at the rural level is not a one-time political action, it is a legal field in which the election process of this part of the executive power will now take place, it is, in fact, a permanent process.
Candidates from the Nur Otan party (Amanat party due to the changed rebranding) dominated the last elections. Now, when the period of modernization of this party is coming, when its activities are being reset, when it leaves the comfort zone, greenhouse conditions, the competitive environment is expanding in general, real conditions are being created for the appearance of new parties in the political arena. And there are already signals.
The Head of State sets the task "... to actively participate in these election campaigns, nominating worthy candidates who enjoy the support of citizens." There is a lot of work to be done on the election of district akims, which will push all parties to work more actively on the ground."
Asiya Duanbayeva,
member of Kostanay Regional Election Commission