Kazakhstan is set to hold early elections for its local representative bodies, known as maslikhats, on November 29, according to an announcement made by the Central Election Commission. These elections will fill a total of 3,447 seats across various levels, including regional, city, and district maslikhats.
The breakdown of the seats up for election includes 668 at the regional level, 626 at the city level, and 2,053 at the district level. This decision follows a decree by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, which ended the powers of the current maslikhats, triggering the need for early elections as stipulated by Kazakhstan’s election laws.
Under these laws, the Central Election Commission is required to call for early elections within two months following the termination of a maslikhat’s powers. The upcoming elections will see local residents voting directly, equally, and in secret to elect their representatives for five-year terms.
Maslikhats play a crucial role in Kazakhstan’s local governance, with elected deputies responsible for representing the interests of their communities at various administrative levels. This upcoming electoral process is part of the country’s democratic framework, ensuring that local governance bodies are constituted through a direct voting process.