Тезисы и цитаты

The significance of today’s address is special. Its scope of work is not limited to one year. It is broad in scope and content. Our goals are high. Together with you we began creating a New Kazakhstan.

Four political reform packages have been implemented for further democratization. This led to positive changes in the society as more than ten laws have been adopted in the political sector only. For example, the new democratic law on peaceful assemblies. It allows activists, including opposition-minded public figures, to hold rallies and express their opinions there.

The program will contribute to a consistent democratization, and ensure the stability of the state.

The key goal of the country’s political modernization is to increase the role of people in the state governance through electoral processes.

The Mazhilis electoral system will be transformed into a mixed proportional-majoritarian model, where 70 percent of deputies will be elected by a proportional model through lists of candidates from political parties, and 30 percent by a majoritarian rule, where independents may run.

The President proposed to establish the Constitutional Court, whose council is responsible for the interpretation of legal norms. The Prosecutor General and the Commissioner for Human Rights might be given the right to appeal to the Constitutional Court, in addition to the President and the Parliament.

I believe that in order to consolidate the decision to abolish the death penalty, it is necessary to make appropriate changes to the Constitution. It is important to introduce a systematic approach to the investigation of crimes related to torture. I propose to assign responsibilities for investigating cases of torture to the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The President also proposed to review the laws on the media with a mission to build an environment for more open, competitive and responsible media.

The President remains committed to the “strong regions – a strong country” principle. He proposed a reorganization of the regional structure of the country. The Abai region will be established with a center in Semei city. The Ulytau region will be established with the center in Zhezkazgan town. The Almaty region will be divided into two regions – the Almaty region with the center in Taldykorgan, and the Zhetisu region with the center in Kapshagai.

Overall, more than 30 articles of the Constitution need to be amended to implement the President’s initiatives. In addition, more than 20 laws will be adopted by the end of the year.

We should preserve our independence, strengthen the national identity, and focus on the transformation of the country. This is our duty to future generations… We should follow the main principle – different views, but a single nation in a new Kazakhstan.