by Lucia Rotta
ASTANA (KAZAKISTAN) (ITALPRESS) – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s bet was won: with a turnout of more than 73% citizens of Kazakhstan have made the referendum on the new Constitution of the country valid. A compulsory step, because according to Astana’s legislation, every constitutional referendum requires a quorum exceeding 50%. The population wanted to participate actively in the future of their country, on a Sunday lived as a feast, judging also by the testimonies of the 359 invited international observers. In the seats there were whole families with children, young people in the first grade and older people, while singing and dancing in national costume were organized within many locations just outside the capital. The results will be available in about 7 days, given the geographic vastness of the country, but the first exit polls already see the yes win with about 87% of the total cards, and also this would be a bet won by Tokayev in case of confirmation. The new Constitution addresses the political and legislative sphere, with the establishment of a single-chamber Parliament and the new figure of a vice-president.
But also new technologies, education, and therefore the relaunch of the country through its young people are included in the text written by experts from Kazakhstan. An important part is finally dedicated to the rule of law, with historical reforms such as the abolition of the death penalty. The process of elaboration of the text was rapid, with an initial announcement by Tokayev, on 8 September, of a reform that had to involve only the transformation of the Parliament, currently bicameral. After the formation of a working group, in October, a 6-month review process followed, in which citizens actively participated by sending thousands of modification proposals through the government’s digital platforms. A constitutional committee composed of representatives of all regions and social groups was formed in January. In the end, the proposals examined covered 77 articles, about 84% of the current Constitution. From here the decision was born to proceed with an entirely new text, which met the needs of a changed world, both within the country and in the external geopolitical dynamics.
The constitutional draft, which was presented to citizens 5 weeks before the vote, aims first to give greater balance to the political system, with the final goal of strengthening the socio-economic and international potential of Kazakhstan. The new Constitution will ensure greater transparency and stability, according to the opinion of many commentators, thus helping Astana to further strengthen international ties. The operation certainly likes the American administration, which with Trump looks with particular attention to the Eurasian giant. More transparency and more legal certainty mean a more viable ground for US investors. European partners, who already see long cooperation with Kazakhstan through its raw materials, also find in the new constitutional text of common figures, especially in the focus on fundamental rights. All elements that will contribute, in the vision of President Tokayev, to the rise of the country already leader, by size and economy, of the Central Asian region.
– photo cover and photogallery lcr/Italpress –
(ITALPRESS).
