President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree terminating the powers of maslikhats at all levels ahead of schedule, El.kz reports citing Akorda.
The decision was made following consultations with Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Qurultay Chairman Aibek Dadebay. The consultations were held in accordance with paragraph 5 of Article 88 of the Constitution of Kazakhstan.
The Central Election Commission has been instructed to take the necessary measures to schedule, prepare for and conduct early elections of maslikhat members at all levels. The CEC will determine the election date separately.
The decree enters into force on the date of its publication.
Tokayev announced his intention to call early elections to maslikhats on September,24 at the first session of the Khalyk Kenesi. At the time, he stated that he would first hold the consultations required by the Constitution before making a final decision.
The President also noted that the renewal of maslikhats should constitute the final stage of reforms to the public administration system. According to Tokayev, local representative bodies must represent citizens’ interests, approve budgets and oversee regional development.
