ASTANA – An initiative by the Council of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan (APK) to hold an early presidential election in 2015 rather than as scheduled for the end of 2016 is becoming a subject of active discussions both within Kazakhstan and outside its borders.
International observers and experts from different countries commented the proposal of the APK in interviews with Khabar TV, aired on Feb. 18.
Secretary of State for Industry, Handicrafts and Trade of San Marino Marco Arzilli believes that it is necessary to concentrate on development and unite people around a common goal.
“It is very important to listen to the opinions of such an institution as the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The presidential election plays a very important role for the country, and I think all the advantages of holding an election this year are obvious. Subsequently, I am sure that the results of this decision will be positive,” Arzilli said.Professor at Fordham University in New York Robert Chasin, a recognised expert in international cooperation and social and economic development, said, “Based on what I have read about Kazakhstan, it seems that it will be important and appropriate to have the election now or very soon for a number of reasons. Taking into account conflicts across the globe, it is important to have a clear mandate in order to go ahead and represent Kazakhstan internationally. Also, trust in their continuity will help in realising infrastructure development programmes.”
Professor Siddharth Shanker Saxena, chair of the Cambridge Central Asia Forum and honorary secretary of the Committee for Central and Inner Asia, said, “Kazakhstan has a very effective model of stability, which can serve as an example for many other countries. And I believe that the initiative of the APK to hold a presidential election this year is not just practical, but necessary, in order to preserve stability and the sustainable development of the economy. I think no one would argue against the fact that holding early elections in 2015 is a big step forward for Kazakhstan.”
The initiative also has some support in Germany. German political analysts believe it will help preserve stability in Kazakhstan in the coming years, which are expected to be difficult for many nations and people.
Matthias Dornfeldt, a political scientist at Potsdam University, said, “In my view, the proposal to hold an early presidential election in 2015 was made in a timely manner. It is very important that this desire was expressed by the people of Kazakhstan. I think that the presidential election in 2015, despite the crisis in the world, will help Kazakhstan to maintain its course of stability.”
