"A truly historic event this Sunday": President on first elections to Qurultay
President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has addressed the nation ahead of the elections to the Qurultay, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing the Akorda press service.
"Dear compatriots! This Sunday, our country will witness a truly historic event – the first elections to the new unicameral Qurultay.
In recent years, our country has been confidently moving along the path of far-reaching reforms. Thanks to unity, harmony, and solidarity, we have achieved significant results in building a Just Kazakhstan. However, there is still much work to be done.
With the entry into force of the People's Constitution, these elections will mark the starting point for new reforms for the benefit of all citizens and will open a new chapter in the history of modern Kazakhstan.
I announced the Qurultay elections well in advance so that all parties could prepare properly.
As a result, the first election campaign for the Qurultay has been substantive, open, competitive, and civilized. This is the common view of our citizens.
Without a doubt, these elections will be remembered as perhaps the most interesting in our country's history.
During meetings with voters, media campaigning, national televised debates, and social media discussions, parties have convincingly presented their platforms.
In other words, citizens have gained the opportunity to assess the political parties' visions for the country's future and their various initiatives for the further development of all areas of life – from the economy to culture," the Head of State said.
The Qurultay elections are scheduled for August 23. According to the CEC, 12,605,788 voters have been included in the electoral rolls.
Kazakhstanis are to elect 145 Qurultay deputies for five-year terms. The CEC has registered candidate lists from seven political parties.