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This Khuraltai will have a new format. It is an electronic parliament format, an e-parliament.
Explore how Kazakhstan's new e-parliament elections empower citizens to shape laws through political party voting on August 23rd.
Key Takeaways
- Kazakhstan's Khuraltai elections now use a proportional system focusing on party lists, not individual candidates.
- Political parties are leveraging digital media and televised debates to reach and inform voters.
- Active voter participation is crucial for shaping laws and holding elected deputies accountable.
- Combating youth electoral apathy requires a mix of traditional and modern communication methods.
- Transparency and observer roles are vital to ensuring fair elections.
What the video covers
- Kazakhstan is transitioning to a unicameral Khuraltai (parliament) elected via a proportional system based solely on political party lists.
- The August 23rd elections mark a shift from a dual system to a fully proportional electoral system, emphasizing party platforms over individual candidates.
- Seven political parties are actively campaigning to address socio-economic issues and convey their ideologies using modern digital tools and televised debates.
- The new election format encourages informed voting and greater political and legal culture development among citizens.
- Efforts to combat electoral apathy, especially among youth, include door-to-door campaigns, social media outreach, and public meetings.
- Political parties use a variety of communication methods including leaflets, strategic sessions, and dialogue platforms to engage voters personally.
- The role of observers and digital technology at polling stations is emphasized to ensure transparency and fairness.
- Citizens are urged to participate actively in the elections to hold deputies accountable and influence lawmaking.
- The reforms and political events since 2022, including constitutional amendments and referendums, have shaped the current political climate.
- The video features an expert interview with Professor Zhamaladin Ibragimov, providing legal and political insights into the election process.
Chapters
- 00:00Introduction to the New Khuraltai Format
- 01:05Guest Introduction and Interview Begins
- 03:23Electoral Systems: Past vs Present
- 06:04Active Campaigning and Party Efforts
- 08:46Televised Debates and Media Role
- 11:31Overcoming Youth Electoral Apathy
- 13:30Traditional Campaign Methods and Voter Engagement
- 15:25Importance of Voting and Legal Accountability
Full Transcript — Download SRT & Markdown
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On August 23rd, we will elect the people who will write these laws for us.
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All the basic wishes of the people should be reflected in the law. Why must Kazakhstanis necessarily go to the polls on August 23rd?
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No one can issue laws except for the Kurultai. By casting their vote, a citizen places a responsibility upon the deputy.
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What are the main differences between this year's election campaign and the previous ones?
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The most important capital of political parties is their reputation. Voters will vote only based on political party lists.
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It is essential to come to the polling stations on August 23rd and make your informed choice.
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I urge everyone to come to the polling stations on August 23rd and use their constitutional right.
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Hello everyone. This is Shindakhz. I am Gaziza Rembeg with you. And today our guest is Doctor of Law, Professor at the Gumilyov ENU, Zhamaladin Ibragimov.
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Zhamaladin Ibragimovich, hello. How are you doing? Good day.
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Very well. I remember last time we recorded a very good, very interesting, and informative podcast. I did not invite you by accident.
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Overall, I would like to talk to you today, of course, about the Khuraltai elections. How is your mood in general?
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Very good. Zhamaladin Ibragimovich. Such a, of course, first question. What are the main differences between this year's election campaign and previous electoral cycles in terms of societal demands?
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Overall, despite the, let's say, stable development of our state, starting from 2022, several political events have taken place in society: yes, these are the constitutional amendments of 2022, the elections to the current bicameral parliament in 2023, and the referendum on the authorization to build a nuclear power plant in 2024.
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And there is the referendum on March 15th of this same year. Therefore, of course, the overall political atmosphere and the general well-being of citizens make it clear that our state is keeping pace with the times.
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And how do these elections differ from the others? Because here, under the new constitution, it is specifically established that elections to the unicameral Khuraltai will be held under a proportional system.
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In those years, elections were held under a dual system. That is when both the proportional system and the majoritarian system were used.
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That meant that both political parties and people who considered themselves worthy, let's say, professionals in their field, had the right to participate.
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And these elections differ precisely in that they will be held under a proportional system, and voters will vote only for political party lists.
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And how substantively and realistically have the seven registered parties participating in today's race addressed the urgent socio-economic problems in the regions?
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Overall, the first stage of the election campaign is currently underway, which is the campaigning period leading up to August 22nd.
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And all political forces are doing their best to reach every voter, every, let's say, adult citizen of our country. Why?
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Because in this election, the people will not be looking for specific individuals, some charismatic personalities, and so on.
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Here, the approach will be more focused, as the official ballot only lists the names of our seven political parties.
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Therefore, in principle, according to the observations of voters and experts, the parties are trying to work very actively.
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Well, of course, the final results will be on August 23rd, but they are utilizing the opportunities provided to them by election law, the leverage and mechanisms enshrined in both the Constitution and legislation.
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And the main goal of the parties now is to convey their specific ideas, their specific goals, and their ideological platform to every voter.
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Do you think they are succeeding in conveying their ideology and talking about their values and election programs?
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Overall, I think they are succeeding because the parties are now using a multitude of methods and approaches that have arrived with the new digital era, and artificial intelligence is now being used effectively to analyze a lot of data and policy tenets.
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Why? Because the main goal is to reach, well, all the voters, right? Because, well, the territory of Kazakhstan is, thank God, very vast.
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So, in this regard, I would like to say, I would like to note the latest format of televised debates for party representatives, which is a first for Kazakhstan, yes, a first for Kazakhstan.
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In this regard, mass media outlets are also using their capacities and leverage.
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Each channel strives to provide good rhetoric for the representatives of political parties.
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And in these televised debates, the parties are trying to convey their main ideas and priority areas of their election programs to citizens, viewers, and voters.
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Overall, I think this brings, first of all, a great sense of satisfaction to many active citizens.
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And secondly, it makes us realize that the political and legal culture of our citizens is gradually being formed.
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The reforms I mentioned earlier have left an indelible mark, because citizens have consistently tried to understand why these processes began, why they are happening now, and where they will lead us.
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And in this regard, I think the majority of our citizens are now observing, informed, knowledgeable, and analytical, trying to suggest their own ideas on social media, as well as remarks and recommendations.
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Some citizens even ask for immediate solutions to certain, let's say, issues.
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And in this regard, I think that political parties will use their great potential.
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Tell me, which communication tools and methods work most effectively to overcome the so-called electoral apathy among the youth, the youth population of Kazakhstan?
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Yes, some experts are currently scaring us with the Gen Z generation, saying that they are sometimes uninterested in things like values, advice from elders, or parental instructions, and that they only want social media.
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While providing them with the latest targeted thoughts, interests, and values, I would like to say that, first of all, we should not explicitly divide society into alphas, zoomers, and so on.
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In general, we should treat these things as part of an electoral campaign, as an electoral segment of society.
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Uh-huh. And yet, we must make this part of society, which currently only chooses social media—only chooses TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook—understand that besides these tools, there are other methods and approaches that political parties are currently using,
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such as, say, door-to-door. Without being lazy, I hope that every party representative should reach every courtyard and every door, because they must convince their voter in person.
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In this campaign, the phrase "Every vote counts" is of great importance.
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Yes, every vote counts. And in this regard, this specific method is of great importance. That is first.
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Second, in principle, our society is getting used to these approaches and methods, where parties come to them and explain things.
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The second method is meetings, right?
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This is when a party representative gathers people in different formats, yes, people, society, organizations—that is, the electoral part of society—and begins to explain, yes, using different methods, maybe through the distribution of specifically certified, let's say, materials, posters, their leaflets,
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maybe organizing strategic sessions, or organizing a dialogue platform.
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And these methods should indeed—I think they should—have an effect, because, after all, people are living beings; they need, let's say, warm attention, a warm approach, some polite attitude, a cultural, let's say, appeal.
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And these methods and approaches, I think, are more effective now.
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Yes, for young people, of course, social media is used, and in principle, there are materials, and good, let's say, specific postulates, some sayings, some vast excerpts from the party's election program.
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Responsible patriotism means that a person must understand the laws and rights of their state. That is what responsible patriotism is. And when a person understands the laws and rights of their state, then, firstly, they will not face any, let's say, awkward
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situations. Then they will understand that these laws will regulate those public relations that directly concern them. And the people should definitely understand that the very laws we expect after the election of the Kurultai are necessary for us. Why? Because all the
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basic needs, all the basic wishes of the people must be reflected in the law . It is not executed in such a way that if some citizen wants something, needs something, or demands something right now, it happens just like that. To
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fulfill the specific interests of the citizens of society, good, effective laws must be formulated. And these legal norms will then systematically, within the legal framework, within the legal system, gradually regulate these relations. Then I think there will be
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fewer objections, fewer cataclysms, and fewer of those bad cases that a person sometimes does not understand and crosses the line of. In accordance with this, I think the significance of the Kurultai elections, one might say, in this vein, is, as we have already
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stated, that it is the only supreme representative body that exercises legislative power. Nothing, except for the Kurultai, and no one else can issue laws. No one else has the right, let's say, to form the most necessary basic rules for the state. Therefore, there
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is a logical interconnection here. The people, the voters, go to the polling station to elect the future deputies of the Kurultai, and these deputies, the elected individuals, are then obliged to serve the people through their legislative activities. They must form
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and issue laws that will serve, regulate, and solve the most pressing problems of the ordinary citizen. This logical interconnection will lead us tomorrow, August 23rd, to the polling stations. You said that the mandates from ordinary Kazakhstanis will be
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collected and then tomorrow in the Kurultai this will all be formed during the review and drafting of bills.
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Yes, absolutely. Why? Because during a five-year term, to put it simply, a deputy has to be busy with something.
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Therefore, the current campaign, where political parties are conducting their work and agitation, has one goal: familiarization with election programs, and another goal: to feel the pulse of our citizens, to collect their mandates , their proposals, and their comments.
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Why? Because when a person is legally elected as a deputy, the mandates of our citizens should already be lying on their desk.
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Those tasks, assignments, and interests that they can fulfill as a member of parliament through a request to the Prime Minister, or an official letter to the city akimat, and so on, right?
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And those complex tasks that, as an individual deputy, they cannot solve through routine procedures—they will turn these wishes of the people into amendments to existing laws through additions or changes, or, at the request and mandate of our citizens,
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initiate a new law to resolve a particular issue in society. Let us also touch upon the rights of the voter specifically, the rights of Kazakhstanis. When we, the people of Kazakhstan, elect the Kurultai, the legislative body, what rights do we
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possess to subsequently demand and control those same deputies when they draft the norms of laws? What can we contribute, how can we possibly intervene in this work, or is it possible that we have no right to intervene at all? No, on the contrary,
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first of all, by casting their vote, a citizen already places responsibility on the deputy. Accordingly, upon receiving their mandates, deputies strive to fulfill these instructions.
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That is the first point. Why? Because the most important capital for political parties is their reputation.
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Life does not end on August 23rd. And the terms of the Kurultai do not end with a five-year period either.
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Therefore, all political parties must foresee their future strategic appointments. They must not forget about these things in parallel right now. That is the first point. Second, the most important indicator, the most important value in this campaign, is the trust of the people. They must try
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to persuade and convince. They must try their hardest to offer more pragmatic, more rational goals that are achievable during their parliamentary terms. And thirdly, when the head of state gave a speech on the new constitution coming into force on July 1st, he outlined
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good rhetoric for the parliament, for the Kurultai. He indicated that he hopes this Kurultai will have a new format. This is the format of an electronic parliament, an e-parliament.
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Uh-huh. I am leading up to the fact that these instructions, these mandates , these comments and suggestions received from the people will now be transparent. In what sense? Because in the future, God willing, there will be a good idea, a new format, a new
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mechanism: the bill's passport. And precisely by using artificial intelligence tools and digital technology, every voter in the future will be able to see the bill to which they once contributed their input on some issue. In the bill's passport,
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there will be: first, where it came from—the initiative, the concept, the legal provision. And precisely, a good part there, the most important frame, is a table where the proposals and instructions received from voters are listed and to what extent they were
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incorporated into the bill. And when the law is passed, accordingly, the first task is publication in all media, and the voter will then see whether their suggestions and instructions were indeed incorporated into the legal provision. Therefore, in this regard,
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we hope that the new Kurultai format will make us realize that the voter did not give their timely input on adding to the registry of tasks and goals of all political parties in vain.
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Excellent. And what key factors will determine the final balance of power and the actual configuration of parliamentary coalitions in the new Kurultai? The constitutional law on the Kurultai and the status of deputies contains some very good points. One of
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the features I would note, for example, is the introduction of a new concept of opposition. And after the elections on August 23rd, each political party will take its mandates and occupy its seats.
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And in any case, this is natural. Some political party will take the majority of the seats. And there are those political parties that occupy the minority. And it is precisely those political parties that hold a minority of seats that, well, reach the status
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of opposition. This concept of opposition is not in the sense that some of ours might primitively express —that it means immediately raising one's voice or dividing society. No, here, you see, it is more regulated; if the law has regulated the opposition in
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a constitutional sense, then, first of all, it means a minority seat, and secondly, it means that group of people who have a different position on resolving some specific socio-economic programs, a position different from that held by the majority. And this opposition will,
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according to the law, first of all, have the right to head one of the committees. The Kurultai will have eight committees. This means that representatives of this opposition have the right to be deputy chairs of these committees. Representatives of this
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opposition have the right to initiate parliamentary hearings and set the agenda for the government hour. We know , right, that sometimes there is such a heated discussion of the government hour in parliament. We noticed this when we were discussing the new tax
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code. We saw this when, just before the referendum on building a nuclear power plant. The opposition also has the right to initiate such government hearings. And here we see one of the fundamental principles of the Kurultai: political diversity. And the people
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hope, and society hopes, that this political diversity will indeed provide a good impetus for the development of the Kurultai's activities. And there will be a diverse spectrum of solutions presented for the tasks of Kazakhstani society as a whole. And how do the
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institution of independent observers and open coverage in independent media affect the overall transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process?
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Yes, in general, one of the major priorities is, of course, observation. Observation is taking place here.
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Firstly, international observers are currently accredited with the Central Election Commission. These include representatives from European countries, CIS countries, and Latin American countries. In principle, it should be more diverse, because different political contexts have their own specific approaches. This is the
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first point. The second point is domestic observers, right; these are party representatives and civil society members, and they will play a very big role. Why? Because, during the voting process itself, the mood of the voters, their turnout—all of this will, of
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course, be closely monitored by the observers, and that will play a major role. And, accordingly, the skeptical thoughts that some of our citizens have , that sometimes there might be, yes, some, let's say, yes, incomprehensible actions and so on. In this regard, the
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observer will play a major role. Right now, in principle, most polling stations already have digital technology, electronic, means, resources. In this regard, observers will play a major role. This includes party proxies, observers, and activists . In principle, during the referendums,
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er, we saw the major role of our observers and the good legal expert assessment of international observers.
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And what do you think, which regional problems did voters raise most often during meetings with candidates and headquarters representatives? I think that the mission of your podcast is, after all, that sometimes people really don't understand what is being
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discussed at all. Since we changed the name of parliament to Kurultai, they think it's all, like, simpler. That it's an agency that will help get their grandchild into kindergarten. That it's an agency that will immediately solve, let's say, yes, some issues regarding,
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er, means, a shortage of schools, infrastructure issues, and so on. In reality, we are talking about global problems here. Here we are talking about those, means, priority tasks that will be carried out during the deputies 'tenure in the Kurultai. This is a
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five-year term. And I hope that, after all, voters during meetings will suggest, let's say, such things on a republican scale, a regional scale.
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Exactly, of course, naturally, the most sensitive issue is, er, social issues, social support, this is, of course, healthcare, this is, of course, education, this is, of course, infrastructure, yes, first and foremost . I think that the questions are mainly
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in this vein. And further on, there is a layer of questions regarding the role of the Kurultai, yes, whether truly the most effective, high-quality laws for our society will be adopted in the future. And the third point, of course,
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is the role of our, er, state bodies in the new political, yes, the new legal and political architecture of our state . Why? Because, after all, the head of state did not call it a new historical era for nothing. And in this regard,
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society's requests, voters' requests, I think, have a very diverse aspect, a diverse palette of questions. And the most pressing ones are unequivocally social and economic issues. And as they arrive, I think that the future deputies of the Kurultai will gradually
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solve these voter mandates as they come in, to the best of their ability. Uh-huh. Alright. And how effectively do party lists reflect the real balance of professionals, experts, and opinion leaders in the parties as a whole? During this electoral
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period, parties really tried to propose lists featuring true professionals in their fields. Why? Because in some past electoral cycles, the role of individual personalities somehow played a part. Their charisma, their style, or perhaps some of their achievements. But
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in the current electoral cycle, I would say the approach is focused on professionalism. Why? Because society expects the Kurultai to take a more professional approach to solving issues . This is where the reformatting of the legislative power lies. Therefore, in
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this regard, political parties tried to include the most worthy professionals in their fields. Yes, indeed, a professional parliament has the right to suggest that the main composition should primarily be lawyers. Why?
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Because as we have said, this is the highest representative body that exercises legislative power.
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Certainly. And lawyers are people who are familiar with and can apply legislative technique themselves. Accordingly, after the elections, I think that the results will lead to professionals in the fields of economics, social issues, and politics filling the Kurultai.
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These are people who will know, anticipate, and be aware of the pressing problems of the people in advance. The most important thing is that these people always understand, feel, and strive to perform their work professionally and with high quality in
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this professional Kurultai. Excellent. And what role does digital literacy of voters and the fight against fake news in the information space play in the current race?
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A very big role. Why? Because, in general, electoral legislation, and our legislation as a whole, has specific principles that allow certain approaches and forbid others, such as meeting with voters, so that party representatives can reach every citizen , perhaps distributing certified
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merchandise during meetings, such as caps, flyers, the party program, and so on. But beyond that, election law strictly warns our party representatives that breaking the law is not allowed. This includes conducting charity campaigns or promising material benefits, priorities, and so on. This is strictly
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prohibited because there is liability under both the Administrative Code and the Criminal Code. And here again, digital technologies, fakes, and deepfakes play a role. These citizens simply need to understand that an election campaign, an election race, is not organized to divide society into
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parts, not to sow discord or create some kind of unclear relationships. It is the opposite. This period should rally our society. This period should unite our citizens for a common goal.
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Yes, with different goals, different ideas, and different concepts. But the main goal, the primary goal, is a shared one—that is lawmaking. After all, a representative of a party cannot simply come tomorrow with their own, let's say, radical concepts. That would
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disrupt the legislative process. No, there will be a unified goal, a unified policy, and a unified legislative process. And in this regard, fakes and deepfakes are strictly prohibited. The Prosecutor General's Office has warned about this, and the Ministry of
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Information is monitoring it. Therefore , our citizens must understand this. I think that I, too, as a citizen of the state, should instead help in a positive way. Perhaps point out some shortcomings to parties, supplement some mandates, offer good proposals,
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but sowing discord, raising vague issues, or bringing up interethnic points is strictly prohibited. In this regard, we must use artificial intelligence and digital technology for the benefit of our society, for the benefit of resolving issues specifically within the election
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campaign. Good. And one last question. Could you please say once again why the participation of every citizen in voting is of fundamental importance for shaping the country's development course for the coming years? Yes, the choices of our citizens, first of all,
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determine the fate of our current political forces. We are placing great responsibility on political parties.
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Why? Because before this, we always demanded responsibility for the state and the development of the country from one person, from the head of state. Now , everything is changing, the rhetoric is gradually shifting. Now the responsibility for the development of
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the state and the fate of the state is being shared. From now on, these political parties will also bear responsibility. Therefore, so that in the future professional parliament there are more professional and responsible deputies, every citizen must come to
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the polling station to vote. Why? Because every vote will be important here. And it is precisely based on the results, the outcome of all these votes , that the results of the Kurultai elections will be determined. Therefore , every citizen must understand that
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this is necessary for them, for their family, for the future of the state, and for the future of our society.
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Therefore, I would, of course, recommend that our citizens, our compatriots, still come to the polling station and use their right to vote and participate in this electoral process.
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I fully support you, Zhamaladin Abraglimovich, because I think it is impossible to remain in this country.
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The fate of our future, our country, is being decided here. Indeed, our future. And if Kazakhstanis go to vote, they will be confident in tomorrow, knowing that they voted for the legislative body that will be passing these laws
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for them tomorrow. Thank you very much. I would like to wish you a huge thank you. Indeed, your podcast is very popular.
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Even with our youth, the zoomers, by the way, who say they aren't interested in politics—they are very much interested. They share, they discuss, they analyze. Therefore, I am very grateful that you invited me, and we hope that in the future we will serve
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our society, serve our citizens, each from our own position and field. But you also have a unique opportunity to address our Kazakhstanis, our Shanyrak viewers, and tell them why it is important for them to come to the polling stations on August 23rd and
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make an informed choice. You can look at this camera and make your statement. Yes, I really want to address the Shanyrak audience, as a lawyer, as a doctor of law, a professor: please, come to the polling stations on August
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23rd, vote according to your conscience , and for those aspects you liked. Before August 22nd, everything will be explained to you, all these aspects, so vote for the future of our country. Why ? Because it is necessary for us. We
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live in this society. We will drive the development of our state together with you. Therefore, I urge everyone to come to the polling stations on August 23rd and exercise your constitutional right.
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Wonderful. Thank you. I wish you success. And I remind you that today on Shanyrak was Doctor of Legal Sciences and Professor at the Gumilyov ENU, Zhamaladin Ibragimov. And with you was me, Gaziza Zarembek. Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, like
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this video, and of course, write your comments. And see you on August 23rd at the polling stations. Yeah.
Topics:Kazakhstan electionsKhuraltaie-parliamentproportional votingpolitical partiesyouth electoral participationdigital campaigningtelevised debatesvoter engagementconstitutional reforms
