Press conference of Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Lebanon in close proximity to elections

Presidential election in Kazakhstan and its influence on the country and the outside world

Kazakhstan's Ambassador to Lebanon, Rasul Jumaly held a press conference with journalists in the embassy headquarters, in which he explains the regional, economic situation in his country in close proximity to elections on November 20.

Kazakhstan is about to reach a major milestone in its democratic development. While elections have taken place regularly since our independence in 1991, the upcoming presidential election on November 20 can be considered one the most consequential for the future of democratic politics in Kazakhstan.

This year has been the most tumultuous in our recent history. Our country was first rocked by the tragic events in January, when Kazakhstan suffered an armed coup attempt. Just over a month later a conflict erupted in Ukraine, indirectly impacting our country’s economy. Yet despite these challenges, our nation began writing a new chapter of our political development. In March, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed constitutional reforms to transform our country’s entire state model and form of government by limiting the powers of the President, strengthening the role of parliament, enhancing citizens’ engagement in political processes, and further strengthening the protection of human rights.

77 percent of our citizens voted in favour of these constitutional amendments in a June referendum. This was a demonstration of what a New and Just Kazakhstan represents – our firm commitment to democratic principles and an increased role for citizens in state decision-making. Thanks to the deliberate dedication of our people to democratic development, our nation has become a leading light for economic, social, and political reform in the post-Soviet space.  The implementation of concrete reforms has ensured that we are on firm footing as we look to a bright future. Our economic initiatives are focused on diversification, de-monopolisation, and ensuring a fair distribution of the national income. Significantly, as per President Tokayev’s proposal, the presidential term has been reduced from two five-year terms to a single seven-year period without the possibility of re-election. This initiative will eliminate the risks of power monopolisation and strengthen the basic principles of democracy.

In last September President Tokayev took decision to seek a democratic confirmation of his mandate for the fundamental transformation of Kazakhstan over the next seven years. Our country is changing at a swift pace, and it is important for our citizens to voice their opinion on the future direction of the nation. The election will offer an opportunity to reflect on the three years of Tokayev’s presidency, and to consider whether the people are on board with the vision for a New Kazakhstan.

This election will also be one the most diverse in our nation’s history. Six candidates are running with varying political views, including representatives of the opposition, giving the electorate extensive choice. In addition, for the first time in our history, two female candidates are running for president. This is another important step in Kazakhstan’s ongoing democratic development. Over many years, Kazakhstan has been taking concrete steps to ensure gender equality and to promote women’s role in business and politics. We are now witnessing the fruits of these efforts.

Kazakhstan’s presidential nominations process is designed to be open and fair. For example, all candidates must receive signatures from 1% of Kazakhstan’s registered electorate – around 118,000 people equally representing at least two thirds of regions, cities of republican significance and the capital. Six candidates, representing different policies and visions for the country, have received support from many citizens. This is further evidence of democracy at work.

Of course, it is crucial to ensure that the election will be free and fair. It is not a secret that our region is still developing the necessary democratic mechanisms to ensure completely open elections. Nevertheless, I believe that Kazakhstan is demonstrating that it is going beyond the general expectations. President Tokayev promised that the election will be held fairly, openly and with the broad participation of domestic and international observers. Previous elections were monitored by the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the OSCE and numerous other international organisations. Kazakhstan has always welcomed observers and their constructive feedback, and we look forward to welcoming them again for the upcoming election.

Given the significant global geopolitical challenges, the upcoming vote is not just important to Kazakhstan, but to the international community as well. As a country located between Asia and Europe, we play a key role in facilitating trade between the two regions. Given our diplomatic ties with all sides, we are also ready to contribute to the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine and in other parts of the world. From the economic perspective, our government has also been vigorously improving Kazakhstan’s investment climate, making us the top investment destination in the region.

Among top priorities Arab countries are traditionally recognized as one of the important directions of Kazakhstan's cooperation with the outside world. For 31 years of Independence, strong political relations have been established between the parties. In the international arena, Kazakhstan always supports the aspirations of friendly countries of the Middle East and North Africa, aimed at protecting their legitimate interests, strengthening stability and security in the region. In particular, in recent years, the capital of Kazakhstan - the city of Astana has become the place of holding consultations on peaceful solution of the conflict in Syria. Cooperation is expanding along the lines of such authoritative structures as the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Council on Security and Confidence Building Measures in Asia. Economic, investment, cultural and tourist ties are gradually developing.

Regarding relations between Kazakhstan and particularly Lebanon, diplomatic relations between them were established in April 1993. Since then, bilateral cooperation is developing along a growing trajectory. There was an exchange of embassies, as well as numerous visits by high-level delegations. Such Lebanese companies as CCC, Dar Al-Khandasa and others are successfully operating in Kazakhstani market. Currently, Kazakh peacekeepers are serving in Southern Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL special mission. In August 2020, after the terrible explosion in Beirut, Kazakhstan was one of the first countries in the world to respond to the tragedy of the Lebanese people by providing massive humanitarian aid. In general, the relations of the parties, based on trust and mutual respect, have great potential. In particular, promising prospects are related to the supply of grain, oil, other types of food from Kazakhstan to Lebanon, cooperation between financial, educational and tourist institutions.