ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s political landscape changed significantly in April following an April 26 congress attended by oblast and city delegates, during which the Adilet and Rukhaniyat parties merged to form the new Birlik (“unity” in Kazakh) party.
Preparatory work for the merger lasted two months after organisational and legal aspects were specified. Legal formalities are still ahead, but consensus among party members has been reached. Serik Sultangali was elected chairman of the new political force.
The newly elected chair said the merger decision was unanimous. The merger will lead to a larger new party and party members are to complement each other’s activities. The Rukhaniyat party promoted the revival of culture while Adilet was traditionally strong in legal areas. The combination opens up new opportunities for the next Majilis election campaign.
The initiative to merge came from the Adilet party and was prompted by the need to strengthen its positions. Rukhaniyat had similar goals and tasks.
“We have come to the decision to unite forces and enter the political arena with a new name and new opportunities,” said Deputy Chairman of the Birlik party Tolegen Sydykhov.
The new organisation will continue the courses of the merged parties. The priority direction is implementation of Strategy Kazakhstan 2050, raising the quality of life in Kazakhstan and its ranking among the 30 top world nations. Being together means being stronger, the new, combined party members believe.
The emergence of this new player is a natural outcome of the democratisation of party life after the parliamentary elections in 2012. Political analysts believe Birlik will contribute to the further economic, legal, and cultural development of Kazakhstan.
