OSCE supports event on enhancing political parties system in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 6 June 2014 – A roundtable discussion on the improvement of the legal framework and the enhancement of the political party system in Kazakhstan took place today in Astana.

The event was organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana under its multiyear project, “Enhancing the work of parliamentary factions in the Parliament” carried out in co-operation with the Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan. Some 40 parliamentarians, leaders of political parties, government officials as well as civil society representatives gathered to discuss ways to further develop the political parties system and promote parliamentarianism in Kazakhstan.

The event participants reviewed best international practices related to democratic governance, considered the results of consultations held with political parties on further reforming the country’s political party system and discussed ways to improve the effectiveness of the parliamentary factions’ work.

“Parties serve as a channel of communication between authorities and society both in the sense of transforming social demands and needs into political ideas and programmes as well as facilitating public oversight over the government’s activities,” said Ambassador Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “On the other hand, strong independent political parties accountable to their constituents ensure good governance and contribute to stability.”

National experts from civil society noted that the consultations with political parties held as part of this project led to recommended changes in relevant legislation. They emphasized that the signing of a memorandum of co-operation being considered will contribute to the development of political pluralism and strengthen co-operation between the parties.

The seminar is part of the OSCE Centre's long-term efforts to support political plurality in Kazakhstan.