Nazarbayev congratulates Kazakhstan citizens on akim elections held

"I congratulate all of you on important social and political event in the life of the country!

From 5 to 9 August 2013 the first elections successfully passed in the history of independent Kazakhstan where people were electing the heads of local authorities.

On an alternative basis the Maslikhats were electing governors of district towns, rural districts, towns and villages, not being part of the rural district. It is more than 91% of the country's governors.

Total elected mayors make 2454 in towns of regional importance, rural districts, towns and villages, which are home to 7,632,000 in Kazakhstan.

As you know, the initiative of holding these elections I have put forward in my Message to the nation in the Strategy called "Kazakhstan-2050".

The elections were an important achievement of the young Kazakh democracy. They have been attended by about 7,000 candidates.

If previously mayors were appointed, but today they have been first elected. And that has been consciously and responsibly done by legal members of the public - maslikhats, for whom Kazakh voters have high confidence to act on their behalf.

Observers note that there have been no violations fixed during the electoral campaign. The elections were open, transparent and fully complied with the current laws and the modern democratic practice.

Symbolically, the election of local governors took place in the very first yeaentation of the fateful Kazakhstan goals and objectives outlined in our main strategic plans for the twenty-first centr of the beginning of "Kazakhstan-2050" Strategy. This suggests that we are deeply committed to the phased implemury," stated the President.