Embassy of Kazakhstan to Switzerland
Kazakhstan Celebrates Constitution Day
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Muri/Bern (ots)
The journey of any great nation includes several key milestones which collectively influence its national identity. Beyond establishing independence, the adoption of a constitution forms the most important basis of a country's political system and processes, as it outlines the very principles responsible for guiding the nation's future path.
On 30 August, Kazakhstan celebrates Constitution Day. Underpinned by the unalienable values of freedom granted to each and every citizen, the Constitution has proven central to the accomplishments of the country and provided with the guide for development and prosperity.
This year, Constitution Day holds particular importance, as it is celebrated for the first time after the amendments to the constitution, which were approved following a nationwide referendum in June last year, have come into force. The referendum saw a turnout of 68.05%, with 77.18% of citizens voting in favor of the changes. These reforms have transformed Kazakhstan and have ushered in new democratic principles in the country. More powers and influence have been granted to parliament and the local government, while presidential powers have been limited, which means the government is now more accountable to the people who elected the parliament. In addition, in line with the updated Constitution, the President of Kazakhstan is now elected for only a single seven-year term, without the right to re-election, which is completely unique for the region.
Kazakhstan has established and further strengthened mechanisms that protect human rights and democracy by enhancing the role and status of the Ombudsperson for Human Rights, the Ombudsperson for children's rights, and the Ombudsperson for protecting people with disabilities.
Kazakhstan has also re-established the Constitutional Court, which ensures further protection of human rights and freedoms. Kazakhstan's citizens, including the Prosecutor General and the Ombudsperson, can now directly apply to the Constitutional Court to declare unlawful norms that, in their view, contradict the principles of the Constitution.
The impact of the constitutional amendments was particularly visible during the parliamentary and local elections that were held in March this year. Simplifying the process for registering political parties resulted in new parties that took part in the elections, including Respublica and Baytaq. These elections are considered by many domestic and international political experts to have been the most competitive in Kazakhstan's modern history. In line with the constitutional changes, which also include direct election of rural mayors, a proportional-majoritarian model was used in the parliamentary election for the first time since 2004. This enabled numerous self-nominated candidates to participate in single-mandate districts along with party candidates. As a result, opportunities for citizens' participation in the political life of the country have significantly expanded. Six parties managed to pass the five percent threshold needed to get into parliament, which has created a truly multi-party representative body with different political views.
In marking the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, tribute must also be paid to the citizens of the country, who have embodied its fundamental values and showed their support through the referendum for the constitutional reform last year, which enabled to further enshrine the ideals of freedom, equality and concord into the fabric of the society. It should be noted that five electoral campaigns have taken place in Kazakhstan in approximately one year, including a referendum, which means Kazakhstan's citizens have had a direct say on all the changes.
Ultimately, thanks to the constitutional amendments and reforms, a new civic and political culture has taken shape in Kazakhstan's society. Of course, the path to overhaul the existing system in our country is far from over. Transformations and reforms, including social and economic, are a constant work in progress to ensure that the country keeps up with global changes, trends, and challenges that continuously spring up.
At the time the Constitution was signed in 1995, Kazakhstan was a young state facing many of the challenges faced by newly independent countries around the world. Striving to forge its own national identity, the country enshrined in the Constitution the values that have become the basis for stability and achievement. Today, after amendments to the Constitution affecting a third of its articles, Kazakhstan is essentially a new state even compared to what it was just a few years ago.
In ensuring the freedoms of speech, assembly and religion, as well as political diversity and personal liberty, the Constitution has provided a blueprint for the country's social, economic, and political development. A tolerant society, where every citizen - regardless of their creed - can feel valued and free, as well as our wider domestic prosperity, is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the Constitution as a guide to success, unbound by time or historic context.
Contact:
Embassy of Kazakhstan to Switzerland
Tavelweg 2, CH-3074 Muri bei Bern
+41313101478