Direct elections of akims (mayors) of districts and cities of regional subordination took place in Kazakhstan on November 5, 2023. This really historical event went smoothly: no scandalous electoral race, no critical statements or revelations. Most of winners are members of the ruling party Amanat. Moreover, 41 of 45 winners have already been akims or deputy akims. Can these elections be called valid?
No surprise
Elections were held in 45 pilot regions – 42 regions and three regional centres. Voter turnout was 62.79 per cent. Voters had a wide choice: according to the Central Election Commission, 125 candidates were on the list – of political parties and self-nominated candidates. The mean age of elected akims is 46.7 years. Out of 45 winners, 29 have been akims, 12 have been deputy akims. In two district, entrepreneurs have become akims, in two other districts – chairs of district maslikhat (local representative body).
“In fact, there have been no ‘random’ people in the elections. Even winning self-nominated candidates or candidates of other parties have matched the requirements for akims of the ruling party, which suggests that there was a partial diversification of nomination methods during pre-selection of candidates,” political analyst wrote.
Human rights activist Roman Reimer also suggested that many candidates have been agreed on and some have been appointed through technical elections.
“I don’t see any changes in the election process,” Reimer said. “For example, recent elections to the mazhilis (lower house of parliament) were held smoothly. I think akim elections followed the same logic.”
Political analyst Talgat Kaliev feels down about the recent elections by the fact that only 10 per cent of women were among candidates.
“They underestimate their potential and show the role of women in the Kazakhstan society. Perhaps, the society itself is not ready for female akims,” Kaliev suggested.
Public figure Chingiz Lepsibaev emphasised that nothing was heard about akim elections. “Informational work was done poorly. Many people were not aware of the elections,” Lepsibaev said.
Kaliev has a different opinion, “There was the akim election awareness campaign. It was held locally. If Astana or Almaty residents were not aware, it does not mean that elections were not held. Every candidate conducted a campaign and worked in their district.”
“Yet we have to admit that there were the same people (among winners). But now we can say that regional akims are appointed from the top, while district akims and akims of cities of regional subordination are appointed by the people. Are akims electable? They are!” said Lepsibaev about the direct election method that could be used in future.
Another Kazakhstan-based political analyst, asked by CABAR.asia to comment on the election process, refused to give a comment. “You know it’s all fake,” he explained his refusal.
Hopes encourage the society
Speakers interviewed by CABAR.asia have one thing in common, they believe that even such elections could be beneficial to Kazakhstan in the future.
According to Roman Reimer, the more opportunities the society has in electing public officers, the better. “In this regard, elections of akims play a positive role as a new institution that started operating in 2021 (elections of rural akims were held for the first time in Kazakhstan –Editor’s note). It is good for akims. They will know that they are elected representatives, not appointed ones. It will be possible only if elections are held without violations and without administrative intervention,” Reimer made a reservation.
According to former Member of Parliament Vladimir Dvoretsky, these elections would hold akims liable for the promises they have made.
“For thirty years, we have heard that the only source of authority is the people, yet we have not seen the just, transparent and verified mechanism of enforcement of this right, i.e. elections. That’s why people are politically apathetic,” Dvoretsky said. “The elections would give the feeling to Kazakhstanis that something depends on them, although locally. It is clear that authorities have more resources, but emergence of independent candidates with a convincing history and real chances of winning is inevitable.”
Lepsibaev would like to believe that elections would improve the state administration system and have a positive impact on territorial development.
According to Kaliev, we have to admit that these elections were a new step towards voting and management system of Kazakhstan, including in terms of development of local government.
“Elections of akims would let Kazakhstanis form a new voting culture. Kazakhstanis would learn to value their votes because their vote would affect their living. Akim should resolve all daily issues within the shortest time,” Talgat Kaliev said.
Main photo: akorda.kz