OSCE promotes local self-governance in Kazakhstan
SHYMKENT, Kazakhstan,10 July 2015 – An OSCE-supported conference on the next steps in the local self-governance reform took placed today in Shymkent, south Kazakhstan.
The event was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the National Economy Ministry for some 170 parliamentarians, regional administration officials, mid-level managers from the Finance and Justice Ministries as well as akims (mayors) of small cities and rural districts of the South Kazakhstan Region.
The participants discussed the implementation of local self-governance reform and exchanged opinions on the ways to further develop the legal and institutional framework in this regard. They also learned from national experts and government officials about financial and economic tools such as opening special accounts, collecting revenues and spending them on issues of local importance with the involvement of local communities. The representatives from central authorities presented draft legislation on the next steps in the development of local self-governance and collected feedback from participants on it.
Shalatay Myrzhakhmetov, Deputy of the Mazhilis of Kazakhstan’s Parliament said, “The law on local self-governance introduced a clause on the election of akims of regional significance for settlements, villages, rural districts as well as expanded financial and economic independence at the lower level. This helps regulate the formation, and the powers of the local assemblies.”
Rati Japaridze, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana said, “The implementation of self-governance reforms is the foundation for ensuring optimal decision making with the involvement of local communities promoting genuine democratic development of the state.” He noted that the OSCE recognizes the value of citizens’ involvement in the issues of local importance, especially in the rural areas.
The event is part of the Office’s long-term efforts to promote good governance and democratization in the host country.