OSCE Centre helps enhance political parties’ work in Kazakhstan

KOSTANAY, Kazakhstan, 11 October 2013 – A series of seminars aimed at enhancing political parties in Kazakhstan concluded today in Kostanay.

The seminars were held in Astana, Almaty, Petropavlovsk, Kokshetau and Kostanay as part of a project implemented by the non-governmental organization “Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development” with the support of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

More than 120 political party representatives participated in the seminars to discuss organizational, legislative, financial, and PR aspects of party-building as well as the parties representation in the parliament and local self-government bodies. They also discussed gender-related issues, such as best practices in promoting women to decision-making positions within political parties, as well as through political parties’ mechanisms.

“Well-designed and properly enforced laws and regulations help create an environment in which parties can most effectively perform their essential democratic functions,” said Jeannette Kloetzer, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “This is why the OSCE Centre in Astana facilitates the dialogue and the exchange of best practices on the creation of most favorable legislative conditions governing political parties that comply with OSCE commitments and other international standards.”

Zauresh Battalova, President of the Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan, said: “Citizens exercise their right to participate in governance through their elected representatives. It is therefore very important for all citizens to have a representative parliament and strong, competitive political parties.”

The project also included a study visit to Poland, an international conference held in Astana and the publication and distribution of information materials.