Kazakhstan to fully implement direct elections for akims next year

Tengrinews.kz - District and city akims (mayors) in Kazakhstan will be elected exclusively through direct voting announced President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
During his address to the nation, President Tokayev emphasized that one of the significant changes in the country's political landscape in recent years has been the introduction of direct elections for akims.

"Since 2021, around 2,500 village akims have been elected, accounting for 90 percent of all heads of rural settlements. In the remaining villages, elections will take place as the terms of current akims expire. The average age of the newly elected akims is 46, with 60 percent of them having no prior experience in public service. Many are entrepreneurs or members of various political parties, marking a significant renewal of the akim corps elected by the people," Tokayev stated.

Last fall, Kazakhstan held its first-ever elections for district and city akims under the new system. In total, 45 akims were elected across various regions. According to President Tokayev, a comprehensive study of these elections has led to the decision to fully transition to the new system starting next year.

"After thorough analysis of the election outcomes and the performance of the elected akims, we have decided to permanently shift to this new system. Moving forward, district and city akims will be elected exclusively through direct elections as the current officials' terms end," Tokayev said.

He also highlighted that this transition is a crucial step in the ongoing transformation of Kazakhstan's political system.

"Political reforms are not a one-time campaign. If required for the state's development, reforms will continue to be implemented," he concluded.

President Tokayev delivered this message during his annual address to the nation on September 2, during a joint session of the Parliament. The address focused on the future political and socio-economic development of Kazakhstan.