OSCE Centre supports discussion on local self-governance in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 27 October 2011 – The state of local self-governance in Kazakhstan was the focus of a roundtable discussion held in Astana today.

The event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the non-governmental organization Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development, brought together more than 40 participants, including central and local government officials, and representatives of non-governmental organizations and political parties. The results of a survey on the performance of local self-governance bodies in a number of Kazakhstan’s regions were presented at the meeting. The study was commissioned by the Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development.

“Local self-government is one of the most important democratic mechanisms as it brings the decision-making process closer to the citizens,” said Alexandre Keltchewsky, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana. “Strengthening local self-government would help advance democratic processes in Kazakhstan.”

“An effective local self-government system is essential for Kazakhstan’s further development as a democratic state,” said Zauresh Battalova, the President of the Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan. “The most expedient path for reforms needs to be developed, which would make citizens part of the decision-making process and foster economic growth in the regions.”

The participants discussed the challenges faced by local government authorities and NGOs, experiences in addressing the problems in other OSCE participating States, and drafted a set of recommendations for legislative and institutional reforms.

The event is part of the OSCE Centre's activities aimed to promote democratic development and the consolidation of democratic institutions in Kazakhstan.