The discussion brought together representatives of leading think tanks, the academic and expert communities, higher education institutions, and civil society organizations. Experts discussed the upcoming elections to the Kurultai, the changing role of regions in the new political system, the development of political party and public representation, as well as mechanisms for incorporating regional priorities into national decision-making.

Opening the meeting, Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that the current electoral campaign represents the first practical stage in implementing Kazakhstan’s new constitutional model.

The Director of KazISS also highlighted changes in electoral attitudes. According to sociological research, 70–76% of citizens currently express their willingness to participate in the vote, while the share of undecided voters has declined from more than 22% in June to around 8% by the end of July.

Zhandos Shaimardanov placed particular emphasis on the growing importance of the regional agenda.

“Elections reflect public sentiment and the real needs of citizens. Each region has its own priorities — industrial development, rural areas, environmental issues, water supply, transport, or demographics. That is why the importance of the regional agenda in the performance of the future Kurultai will only increase,” he emphasized.

Saule Rakhmetullina, Chairperson of the Board and Rector of D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University, noted that constitutional reforms increase the responsibility of regions for their own development. In 2025, industrial output in the East Kazakhstan Region exceeded 3.3 trillion KZT, underscoring its strategic importance to the national economy.

“The competitiveness of a region today is determined by how effectively it utilizes its industrial, scientific, investment, and human potential,” Saule Rakhmetullina emphasized.

Political scientist Talgat Kaliyev focused particular attention on the issue of regional representation under the transition to a unicameral Parliament. In his view, while the Senate previously played a significant role in representing regional interests, this responsibility now increasingly falls on political parties, which have an interest in ensuring broad representation from all regions of the country.

“No party can expect nationwide support if its lists do not include strong and reputable candidates from different regions. Therefore, political competition itself will encourage parties to build genuinely nationwide teams,” Talgat Kaliyev noted.

According to him, this model will enable regions to be represented not by individual deputies, but by party teams backed by expert resources, analytical support, and the capabilities of parliamentary factions.

“The interests of the regions will be advanced not through the efforts of a single deputy, but by the political party as a whole, making such representation more sustainable and effective,” the expert emphasized.

Indira Rystina, Member of the Board and Vice-Rector of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, noted that the transition to a proportional electoral system strengthens the role of political parties, their programmes, and their teams. According to her, all political parties have regional branches and are already engaged in systematic work on the ground. Therefore, the quality of party programmes is becoming a key factor in electoral competition.

“During the election campaign, parties should place the main emphasis on their programmes and the commitments they present to voters. At the same time, regional policy and the challenges faced by individual territories should become an integral part of these programmes, since residents of the regions constitute the majority of the electorate,” Indira Rystina noted.

The expert added that the new model shifts competition away from the personal visibility of individual candidates toward competition between party programmes, ideas, and teams. This requires political forces to maintain a permanent presence in the regions and incorporate local priorities into national policy.

Azamat Baigaliyev, Deputy Chairperson of the Board of the Kazakhstan Institute for Public Development, noted that the elections to the Kurultai represent an important stage in shaping a new political culture in Kazakhstan. According to him, the regular holding of elections and referendums is becoming a new norm of the country’s social and political life.

According to the latest sociological research, expected voter turnout stands at around 75%. In addition, 84% of citizens assess the socio-political situation in the country as stable and favorable, while more than 80% look to the future with optimism.

“Voters are becoming more demanding. Today, citizens expect not loud slogans, but professional solutions to specific problems — from inflation and job creation to infrastructure development, housing and utilities, and road quality,” Azamat Baigaliyev emphasized.

Boris Polomarchuk, a member of the Public Council of the Pavlodar Region, presented an analysis of party lists from the 2016, 2021, and 2023 elections, as well as relevant sociological studies. According to him, despite the broader geographical distribution of candidates, party recruitment during previous parliamentary campaigns remained highly centralized: around 43% of candidates were associated with Astana, while more than 65% of parliamentary mandates went to representatives of the capital. At the same time, the regions, which accounted for almost 40% of candidates, received less than 20% of parliamentary seats. In the expert’s view, these disparities need to be addressed, and political parties should strengthen their regional branches.

“A regional branch should become not an administrative office, but a political and analytical center that studies the challenges facing the territory, engages with experts, and promotes regional initiatives to the national level,” Boris Polomarchuk emphasized.

Aman Rakhmetullin, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities at Alikhan Bokeikhan University, devoted his presentation on the development of political culture amid constitutional reforms. According to him, the expansion of citizens’ participation in government decision-making is reflected both in electoral engagement and in the development of local self-government institutions.

“The development of political culture should be assessed not only through legal changes, but also by the level of citizens’ political activity, their participation in public life, and their trust in state institutions,” Aman Rakhmetullin emphasized.

Rufit Akhmedzyanov, Director of the public foundation “Center for Local Self-Government Development,” noted that citizen participation should not be limited to election day.

“Public councils, local self-government, and public consultations should ensure an ongoing dialogue between the state and society, while timely reflecting the needs and priorities of the regions,” he said.

Summing up the meeting, participants emphasized that under the new political model, the regions should become full-fledged participants in shaping the national agenda. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen cooperation among government bodies, political parties, universities, think tanks, and civil society organizations, while expanding the participation of regional experts in the preparation of government decisions.

Сообщение Regional representation in the New Kurultai was discussed at an expert forum in East Kazakhstan появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

On September 7–8, 2026, Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participated in the International Hili Forum 2026 in Abu Dhabi. The forum brought together more than 1,000 participants and over 55 speakers from more than 35 countries.

The forum, held under the overarching theme “Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences, and Course Correction,” was organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in collaboration with the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).

The main agenda focused on the transformation of the international order and security architecture amid intensifying great-power rivalry, conflicts in the Middle East, and the growing vulnerability of global transportation, energy, and technology systems. The discussion centered on issues of strategic autonomy, regional security, geo-economic stability, transport connectivity, and the growing role of middle powers. The organizers structured the discussions around three main themes: geopolitics, geo-economics, and geo-technology.

The KazISS Director spoke at a session alongside Former Prime Minister and Former Foreign Minister of Sweden Carl Bildt, as well as Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia and former President of the UN General Assembly Vuk Jeremić. The discussion focused on how middle powers can maintain strategic autonomy amid competition among major centers of power and make a practical contribution to regional and global stability.

In his speech, Zhandos Shaimardanov referred to the approach articulated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev: “Kazakhstan is a responsible middle power.” The head of state also emphasized that the country’s foreign policy must be as balanced as possible and aimed at protecting and promoting the state’s strategic interests.

“The key word here is ‘responsible.’ This is not about claiming special status, but about the ability to pursue an independent foreign policy and make a practical contribution to international stability. As competition among the great powers intensifies, the importance of countries capable of maintaining freedom of choice and engaging with different centres of power is growing.”

Separate attention was devoted by the KazISS Director to the concept of strategic autonomy. According to him, for Kazakhstan, this does not mean neutrality or equal distance from its partners, but rather having sufficient space for independent decision-making.

“Kazakhstan’s strategic autonomy has three interrelated dimensions. The first is resilient domestic institutions: political modernization, a new Constitution, and a revamped architecture of state institutions strengthen the state’s capacity to adapt to contemporary challenges. The second is diversified external partnerships: Kazakhstan is developing relations with various centers of power while maintaining the independence of its foreign policy course. The third is connectivity and alternative routes: the development of transportation, energy, and economic ties reduces vulnerability and broadens the range of options. Institutional resilience, diversified partnerships, and connectivity together form the foundation of genuine strategic autonomy.”

This approach is in line with the logic underlying Kazakhstan’s political modernization. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev defined its main goal as “strengthening Kazakhstan’s potential and enhancing our state’s readiness to face modern challenges,” emphasizing the need for a substantive transformation of state institutions and improved coordination among them.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the KazISS Director highlighted the potential for closer horizontal cooperation among middle powers, including between the countries of Central Asia and the Gulf. Such cooperation could encompass regional security, transport connectivity, energy, investment, new technologies, and the development of multilateral mechanisms for cooperation.

Сообщение KazISS Director presents Kazakhstan’s Vision regarding the Middle Powers Role at the Hili Forum in Abu Dhabi появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

In her lecture, the Ambassador presented her view of the current state and prospects of relations between Brussels and Astana. Particular attention was devoted to the recent constitutional reform in Kazakhstan and its institutional outcomes.

KazISS Director Zhandos Shaimardanov noted the high level and strategic nature of relations between Kazakhstan and the European Union, emphasizing the significance of the June 2026 visit of President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Brussels, which gave additional momentum to the further development of bilateral cooperation.

An open question-and-answer session was held as part of the event. KazISS experts discussed with the EU Ambassador a wide range of topics, including the prospects for trade and economic engagement, expanding collaboration in connectivity and the energy sector, as well as cooperation in the educational sphere. The ongoing regionalization processes in Central Asia and current trends in international politics were also discussed.

The «Ambassador Hour» format is traditionally held by KazISS to develop direct professional dialogue with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions. Such meetings allow the Institute’s experts to exchange views on current issues of bilateral cooperation and the international agenda, as well as to learn firsthand about the positions of foreign partners.

Сообщение «Ambassador Hour» with the EU Ambassador Held at KazISS появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The discussion was attended by political scientists from Kazakhstan and abroad, experts in electoral processes, representatives of research centers, public observers, and political communications specialists.

Platform participants noted that the August 23 elections were the first nationwide vote since the new Constitution came into force and a crucial stage in the practical implementation of constitutional reform. For the first time, Kazakhstani citizens directly elected the entire new unicameral Kurultai, based on party lists, within a single national electoral district.

The expert platform’s work was organized into two thematic sessions. Participants in the first session, “Political Reforms and Elections: Expert Assessment”, discussed the results of public and international observation, the dynamics of electoral activity, the specifics of the campaign, and its significance for the country’s further political modernization.

Opening the expert discussion, Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that the recent elections should be viewed in the broader context of the implementation of constitutional reform and Kazakhstan’s transition to a new political and institutional model.

According to Zhandos Shaimardanov, the high voter turnout reflects the strong support among the Kazakhstani public for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s political agenda.

“Almost three-quarters of voters participated in the formation of the new Kurultai. Now it’s important to understand how this electoral choice will be translated into the work of the new Kurultai, legislative priorities, and the day-to-day activities of political parties,” emphasized Zhandos Shaimardanov.

Tolegen Kunadilov, Chairman of the “Dauys” coalition of Public Observers, presented an assessment of the recent vote from the perspective of public observation. He discussed the main findings of monitoring the electoral process in the country’s regions, voter turnout, and the specifics of voting organization. He focused on compliance with established electoral procedures and standards, as well as enhancing the role of public observation as a tool for ensuring openness and transparency in elections.

Domenico Palmieri, Secretary General of the Italian Institute for Asia, presented an international assessment of the elections. This is his third time observing elections in Kazakhstan, following the 2022 and 2023 campaigns. He assessed the high level of voter participation as one of the key indicators of the current campaign.

“The turnout rate of over 70% demonstrates a high degree of citizen electoral engagement and public interest in the formation of representative institutions. From a comparative perspective, this figure is particularly interesting: many European countries have seen a trend toward declining citizen participation in electoral processes. In this regard, Kazakhstan demonstrates a high level of political mobilization among voters,” noted D. Palmieri.

Particular attention was paid to the high level of electoral activity among citizens. Professor at Narxoz University Commenting on the turnout, which exceeded 74%, Andrey Kazantsev considered it in the context of public interest in political processes and citizens’ attitudes toward the ongoing transformations in the country. He believes the current elections must be analyzed as part of a broader transition from one institutional order to another.

“We are witnessing not just a change in the composition of Parliament, but a transition from one institutional order to another. The new constitutional model strengthens the role of political parties as key intermediaries between society and the state. Now, parties will have to compete on the content of their programs, offer alternative approaches to the country’s development, and represent real public interests,” noted A. Kazantsev.

Ken Moriyasu, a Senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, examined the recent elections within a broader geopolitical context, characterized by intensifying competition and tensions between the world’s leading powers and the growing strategic importance of Central Asia. He believes that, as the international system transforms, a state’s ability to ensure domestic political stability while simultaneously pursuing a balanced foreign policy is particularly crucial.

Concluding the first session, the Editor-in-chief of The Geneva Times, an Expert in International Relations and Human Rights, Muiz Wahabdeen examined the recent elections from the perspective of Kazakhstan’s future institutional development. He believes that the democratic process is not limited to election day itself: its sustainability is determined by the level of public trust, the effectiveness of political representation institutions, and the existence of ongoing mechanisms for constructive dialogue between citizens and the state.

The expert placed particular emphasis on engaging young people in political processes and developing an understanding among the new generation of their potential to participate in the country’s development.

Following the first session, experts noted that the elections were an important stage in Kazakhstan’s institutional transformation. High electoral turnout and the development of political representation create the foundation for strengthening public trust, the sustainability of political institutions, and the country’s further modernization.

The second session, “Election Campaign: Preliminary Results and New Horizons,” focused on the voting results, citizens’ electoral choices, political party strategies, and the challenges facing the new Kurultai.

The session was moderated by political scientist, Vice-Rector and Member of the Management Board of the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Indira Rystina.

Political scientist, Founder of AmalBooks Publishing House Bakytzhan Bukharbay emphasized that the current campaign marks the transition from constitutional renewal to the practical implementation of a new state architecture based on increased government accountability, public participation, and the political agency of citizens.

“The unicameral Kurultai, the new system for its formation, the office of the Vice President, and the Kazakhstan People’s Council create a more balanced architecture of government based on a clear division of powers and mutual checks and balances,” noted B. Bukharbay.

Andrey Chebotaryev, Director of the “Alternativa” Center for Current Researches, outlined the key legislative priorities of the new Kurultai. He assessed that one of the systemic tasks will be further aligning national legislation with the provisions and standards of the new Constitution. Along with the legislative package inherited from the previous Majilis, an important focus will be the practical implementation of the election platforms of the political parties represented in the Kurultai. The expert highlighted judicial reform and the further development of local self-government as among the most significant areas.

Aigul Sadvokasova, General Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies, analyzed the logic of the electoral choice, comparing the dynamics of party ratings during the campaign with preliminary voting results. She noted that the current campaign took place in fundamentally new political conditions and was accompanied by several waves of sociological research. With the Adilet party firmly in the lead, the main intrigue centered on the distribution of subsequent positions and which political forces would overcome the 5% threshold. Meanwhile, the share of undecided voters steadily declined during the campaign.

Zhuldyzai Iskakova, Chairperson of the Management Board of the Kazakhstan Institute of Public Development, discussed the election results in the context of the transition to a proportional system and the further institutionalization of parties.

“The transition to a proportional system creates the preconditions for further strengthening political parties as key institutions representing public interests. The new model places higher demands on the parties themselves – on the quality of their party lists, the renewal of their leadership, and the professionalism of their candidates. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the proportional system will be determined by the quality and professionalism of the representation in the new Kurultai,” noted Zh. Iskakova.

A separate section of the discussion was devoted to the information dimension of the elections.

Mikhail Komissarov, Director of the Center for Analysis and Monitoring, noted that one of the key principles of information support for the election campaign was ensuring equal access of political parties to the media. The expert expressed hope that the equal conditions for media representation of parties will be appropriately assessed by international observers.

“One of the most notable features of the current campaign has been the unprecedented use of artificial intelligence technologies in electoral communications. This has not only expanded the possibilities of political communication but also highlighted new information risks, primarily those associated with the spread of deepfakes,” noted M. Komissarov.

Ruslan Bekarslanov, Head of the Center for Combating Disinformation at Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented an analysis of fakes and manipulative content disseminated during the election campaign. He stated that a database of disinformation was created to systematically monitor the information space, enabling the identification of the main types and mechanisms of dissemination of false information.

“Deepfakes have been present in the information space, but at the same time, we’re seeing an increase in digital and media literacy among citizens. Users are increasingly recognizing the signs of manipulative content and critically assessing the information being disseminated,” noted R. Bekarslanov.

Following the expert discussion, participants noted that the first Kurultai elections served not only as a mechanism for forming a new legislative body but also as an important stage in the practical implementation of the new constitutional model. The campaign demonstrated new formats of party competition, public monitoring, political communication, and voter engagement.

Сообщение Experts discussed the results of the first Kurultai elections and the beginning of a new stage in Kazakhstan’s political development появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The forum served as a platform for a comprehensive discussion of Kazakhstan’s development achievements in recent years and for setting priorities for the next phase. The focus was on human capital, education and science, digital transformation and artificial intelligence, social resilience, economic and industrial development, energy, and Kazakhstan’s role in the evolving system of international relations.

The forum was moderated by Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The first session, “Kazakhstan Today: Results That Shape the Future,” focused on assessing the key changes that have taken place in the country and the resources that form the foundation for its future development.

Katarzyna Wawiernia, the Permanent Representative of the United Nations Development Program in Kazakhstan, noted the country’s significant progress in improving quality of life, developing human capital, and advancing digitalization.

 “Kazakhstan has laid a strong foundation for further development: a high level of access to education and employment is combined with the development of digital government services and a gradual transition to a more sustainable economic model,” noted K. Wawiernia.

Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized that Kazakhstan is gradually shifting from primarily exporting students to establishing its own international center for education and talent: there are 33 branches of foreign universities operating in the country, and more than 37,000 international students from 92 countries are studying at Kazakhstani universities. A separate area of focus is the integration of education, science, and new technologies.

“The combination of high-quality education, international talent mobility, artificial intelligence, and applied science forms the foundation for Kazakhstan’s transition to a knowledge-based economy,” S. Nurbek emphasized.

Dmitry Mun, CEO of Q.AI, highlighted a qualitative shift in the digital government model. Kazakhstan ranks 24th among 193 countries on the UN E-Government Development Index and is among the top 10 on the Online Services Index. This new phase involves the development of the National Artificial Intelligence Platform, the creation of AI agents, and the transition to data-driven governance.

Political scientist Gaziz Abishev suggested viewing the changes that have taken place since 2022 through the lens of a transition from stability to social resilience.

“Resilience is not the absence of change or mistakes. It is the ability to listen to public demands, correct mistakes, and implement necessary changes without losing control or public consensus,” emphasized G. Abishev.

The National Kurultai has become one of the mechanisms for translating public and expert discussion into government decisions: over the past four years, 26 laws have been enacted based on initiatives put forward by its participants.

Andrei Kazantsev, a professor at Narkhoz University, examined Kazakhstan’s opportunities amid the transformation of the world order. The expert identified Kazakhstan’s strategic resources as its multi-vector foreign policy, geographic location, natural resources, developed digital infrastructure, human capital, and a historically established culture of openness.

The second session of the forum, “The Agenda for the Future: Priorities and Solutions,” focused on directions for the country’s further development.

Zhuldizay Iskakova, Chair of the Board of the National Association “Kazakhstan Institute for Social Development,” noted that Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new phase of social development. According to the expert, studies show a high level of social optimism: 85.8% of Kazakhstani citizens are satisfied with their lives, and 60% expect further positive changes.

“The next step is to move from measuring individual indicators to a comprehensive assessment of the extent to which demographic, social, economic, technological, and institutional changes translate into well-being and new opportunities for people,” noted Zh. Iskakova.

Dastan Akebaev, Deputy Chairman of the Board of JSC “Institute for Economic Research,” emphasized that Kazakhstan remains the largest economy in Central Asia—by the end of 2025, Kazakhstan’s GDP reached 159.6 trillion tenge, or approximately 306 billion U.S. dollars. The country accounts for about 54% of Central Asia’s total GDP, and real economic growth over the past five years stood at 21.3%.

Eldar Gumarov, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Kazakhstan Center for Industry and Export QazIndustry,” highlighted the growing role of the manufacturing sector and non-resource exports. In 2025, the volume of Kazakhstan’s non-resource exports reached 29 billion U.S. dollars., an increase of 45% compared to 2021. The share of domestic products in the procurement of major entities amounted to 50.7%, or 14.9 trillion tenge.

Gulzhaina Eleusinova, Chair of the Board of JSC “A. Baitursynuly Taldau National Center for Educational Research and Assessment,” spoke about changes in the school education system. Kazakhstan is strengthening its position in international human development and education rankings.

“The development of educational infrastructure and the elevation of the status of teachers indicate that the next phase should focus on further improving the quality of education and creating equal opportunities for children regardless of where they live,” noted G. Eleusinova.

Alikhan Baidusenov, Senior Managing Partner at Energy Insights & Analytics, outlined the formation of a new energy architecture for Kazakhstan, which should combine modernized coal- and gas-fired power generation, renewable energy sources, nuclear power, and the development of grid infrastructure.

Following the National Think Tank Forum, participants concluded that Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of development with a solid foundation. At the same time, the new agenda requires a shift from quantitative results to qualitative changes: from access to education to the quality of human capital; from the digitization of services to a proactive government; from economic growth to technological sophistication and high value-added; and from stability to the ability of society and institutions to adapt to change. A common theme of the discussion was the need to view the results achieved not as the end point of reforms, but as a resource for the next stage of modernization.

Сообщение Astana hosts Discussion on Kazakhstan’s Development Achievements and Priorities for the New Agenda появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The discussion focused on the ideological positions of political parties, the content of their election platforms and the nature of the competition for voter support. The participants considered the extent to which the political parties’ platforms offer voters meaningful alternatives, how current public demands relate to the country’s long-term development objectives, and what form the dialogue between parties and citizens should take after the election campaign concludes.

The expert platform was moderated by Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The discussion brought together representatives of the Institute, leading research and educational institutions, think tanks and public organizations, as well as political scientists, experts and media representatives.

A distinctive feature of the platform was its discussion-based format, structured around contrasting expert positions. Participants were invited to express their views on two opposing perspectives, after which representatives of each position presented arguments in support of their choice. This approach made it possible not only to identify the assessments prevailing within the expert community, but also to explore the reasoning behind different views on the development of party competition.

The first discussion block focused on the similarities and differences between the election platforms. The participants discussed whether the convergence of the parties’ strategic goals reflected a public consensus on the country’s key development priorities or indicated a lack of meaningful political alternatives.

The experts noted that common strategic goals do not in themselves preclude political competition. For voters to make an informed electoral choice, it is essential that parties clearly articulate the differences in their priorities, the mechanisms for implementing their proposals, the time frames and resources required, and their accountability for achieving the stated results.

A separate discussion focused on the time horizon of party platforms. The participants considered whether political parties should primarily respond to citizens’ most pressing concerns or concentrate on long-term challenges extending beyond a single electoral cycle.

Following the discussion, the experts noted that a high-quality political platform should combine both approaches. The ability to respond to society’s current needs should be coupled with a strategic vision for the country’s development, while the proposed solutions should be accompanied by a clear explanation of their implementation mechanisms, the resources required and the potential risks.

Another topic was the relationship between electoral participation and political trust. The participants referred to sociological research showing that between 70.3% and 75.6% of respondents said they were prepared to take part in the upcoming vote, while nearly nine out of ten citizens were aware of the elections to varying degrees.

During the discussion, it was noted that the high level of stated willingness to vote indicated considerable public interest in the election campaign and significant potential for political engagement. At the same time, participation in elections alone does not fully resolve the issue of trust. Its sustainability will largely depend on how consistently the parties fulfil their commitments after the elections, remain open and maintain feedback channels with society.

The final block focused on the development of political engagement after the election campaign. The experts discussed two positions: whether the new Kurultai should become the principal forum for inter-party debate or whether the public dialogue between political parties and society should continue on an ongoing basis outside the representative body as well.

The participants emphasized that elections mark the end of the campaigning period, but not of the political process. The new Kurultai should become a key platform for meaningful competition between political parties; however, their engagement with citizens should not be limited to election periods.

“Political dialogue should not end when campaigning concludes. After the elections, the competition of promises must become a competition of solutions, while engagement with voters must become continuous,” Zhandos Shaimardanov emphasized in summarizing the discussion.

Following the expert platform, the participants noted that the current election campaign was creating new conditions for the development of party competition. Its future quality will be determined not only by the voting results, but also by the ability of political parties to translate their election platforms into concrete solutions, ensure public accountability for their implementation and maintain continuous dialogue with citizens after the elections.

Сообщение From Competition Between Platforms to Competition Between Solutions: Experts Discussed the “Sailau 2026” Party Campaign появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The survey was organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Social Development in accordance with its accreditation by the Central Election Commission. It allowed for the collection of assessments from the expert community directly during the meeting and for comparing them with the points raised during the presentations and discussion.

The results of the survey conducted during the first session were presented by the moderator of the expert platform, political scientist and publisher Bakytzhan Bukharbay.

In response to the question “What are your current impressions of the election campaign?”, participants most frequently cited the high level of competition among parties – 32.9%. Another 29.5% noted the emergence of new faces and leaders.

18.8% believe that the campaign is proceeding without any noticeable changes. 10.7% of participants highlighted the discussion of issues relevant to society, while 6.7% cited active citizen participation in the campaign. Another 1.3% provided their own response.

In response to the second question – “What are your impressions of the parties’ campaigning during the current election campaign?” – 27.7% of participants said that the parties’ campaigns differ little from one another. Active engagement with voters was noted by 20.9%, strong performances in debates by 18.2%, interesting ideas and proposals by 16.2%, and charismatic candidates and new faces by 15.5%. 1.4% chose their own answer option.

A separate question focused on what aspects of the campaign participants remembered most in their own regions. Active engagement on social media ranked first here – it was cited by 27.7% of respondents.

Another 19.1% noted mass events, 16.3% cited televised debates, 12.8% pointed to vivid and eye-catching campaign materials, and 12.1% mentioned personal meetings with voters. Negative campaigning and scandals were cited by 5.7%, while 6.4% offered their own response.

The fourth question focused on the factors that most influence voters’ choice when voting for a party. Trust in the party ranked first, at 29.1%. The party’s platform was cited as the main factor by 23.9% of participants, the party’s candidates by 18.7%, and shared views by 17.9%.

Participants cited party recognition much less frequently – 3.7% – as well as media and social media coverage – 3% – and recommendations from family and friends – 1.5%. Another 2.2% selected their own answer.

The survey results highlighted several distinctive features of the current campaign. Among these, respondents noted intense competition between parties, the emergence of new faces, and active engagement with voters. At the regional level, social media has become the most prominent campaign channel, alongside mass rallies, televised debates, and one-on-one meetings. At the same time, trust in the party, its platform, its candidates, and the alignment of views are the primary factors influencing voters’ choices.

Сообщение What Sets the Current Election Campaign Apart: Results of an Interactive Survey появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The discussion focused on public sentiment and key trends in the current election campaign, citizens’ electoral readiness, factors influencing party choice, regional specifics, televised debates, political communications, and the use of artificial intelligence in campaigning. Participants paid particular attention to the role of trust in parties and candidates, as well as the factors determining citizens’ electoral choices.

A distinctive feature of the expert platform was the participation of experts from all regions of Kazakhstan in the discussion via an online conference. This made it possible to supplement the national picture with assessments directly from the regions and to discuss differences in the nature of the election campaign and public sentiment in various parts of the country. Regional participants also actively engaged in the discussion, asking questions of the speakers and highlighting aspects of the election campaign that were relevant to their regions.

During the event, an interactive QR code survey was also conducted, in which experts and guests present in Almaty, as well as representatives from the regions, participated. Participants were asked to assess the nature of the current election campaign and party campaigning, identify the most notable features of the campaign in their regions, and determine the factors that most influence voters’ choices. The responses were analyzed and presented to the platform’s participants at the conclusion of the event, allowing for a comparison of the professional community’s assessments with the conclusions drawn during the expert presentations and discussion.

The platform’s participants included political scientists, representatives of the academic and expert communities, research and analytical centers, public figures, as well as specialists in the field of political communications and electoral processes. The event was moderated by political scientist and publisher Bakytzhan Bukharbay.

Kicking off the substantive portion of the platform, Bakytzhan Bukharbay presented an analytical overview of the electoral behavior of Kazakhstani citizens and the role of televised debates in the current election campaign.

The expert noted that between June 13 and July 27, 2026, various research organizations conducted six public opinion polls. All of them recorded a consistently high level of stated electoral readiness: between 70.3% and 75.6% of respondents reported their intention to vote. At the same time, 89.4% of those surveyed were aware, to one degree or another, of the upcoming election on August 23.

«We are seeing a fairly consistent picture: seven out of ten voters say they are willing to participate in the election. At the same time, nearly nine out of ten Kazakhstani citizens are aware, to one degree or another, of the upcoming election. This indicates a fairly high level of citizen engagement in the current election campaign,” noted B. Bukharbay.

According to B. Bukharbay, televised debates play a significant role in informing citizens and shaping their perceptions of political forces. The comparative data he presented on two broadcasts show that different television platforms are capable of engaging various segments of the population in political discussion.

The televised debate on Qazaqstan was watched by 560,000 people, while the one on Channel 7 drew 1.45 million viewers. Qazaqstan primarily attracted a young audience under the age of 24, whereas Channel 7 drew viewers over the age of 55. There was also high interest in the debates online: more than 10,000 substantive posts were recorded on social media, and tens of thousands of comments and reactions appeared on YouTube and TikTok.

According to Bakytzhan Bukharbay, open competition between political positions contributes to the development of a culture of public politics, in which rivalry among parties is based on the content of their platforms, ideas, and arguments. Debates also demonstrate to the public a model of constructive political dialogue and foster a responsible attitude among citizens toward their electoral choices.

Nurbolat Nyshanbaev, director of the School of the International Relations and Diplomacy, Turan University, and a political scientist, also analyzed the role of televised debates in the election campaign. In his view, debates allow voters to evaluate political parties not only based on their slogans and public image, but also on the quality of their arguments, their competence, their ability to respond to criticism, and their capacity to engage in open political discussion.

Aigul Sadvokasova, Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies, drew attention to the dynamics of voter sentiment. According to the data presented, as the election approaches, the proportion of undecided voters is declining noticeably: from 22.6% in the first survey to 5.3% in the most recent survey. According to the expert, this may indicate a gradual consolidation of electoral preferences amid an intensifying information and campaign effort.

«Every vote counts. Participating in elections is not only the exercise of a constitutional right but also a demonstration of civic responsibility. By going to the polls, citizens determine who will represent their interests and thereby contribute to strengthening the country and its further development», – emphasized A. Sadvokasova.

Public figure Erlan Smaylov focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on election campaigns. According to him, AI is already being actively used to prepare texts, speeches, images, and audio and video content, significantly reducing the time and cost of producing campaign materials.

«Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological novelty—it is becoming part of the national agenda, public discourse, and political competition. Along with new opportunities come new challenges related to disinformation, deepfakes, and trust in political content», – noted E. Smaylov.

According to the expert, the development of generative AI raises questions for the electoral process regarding trust, accountability for the content created, and society’s readiness for the new information environment. Under these circumstances, fostering AI literacy and critical thinking becomes not only an educational but also a socio-political challenge.

Eduard Poletayev, president and editor-in-chief of the news and analysis magazine *Mir Evrazii*, emphasized that the popularity of a party’s individual proposals does not in itself guarantee electoral support. Between a party’s platform and a voter’s decision lie trust, the candidates’ reputation, and confidence in the political team’s ability to implement its stated initiatives.

Zhenisbek Tolen, Head of the Center for Education and Social Development Sciences at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, drew attention to the regional specifics of electoral behavior. In his view, for voters, a party is represented not only by its central leadership. At the local level, individual candidates, lawmakers, and leaders of party branches play a crucial role, as their reputations directly influence the perception of the entire political force.

At the same time, the expert emphasized that the regional electorate cannot be viewed as a homogeneous group. Even within a single region, the needs of residents in the regional capital and those in remote areas, young people and the older generation, entrepreneurs, public sector employees, and the self-employed can vary significantly.

«A region is not a single voter. It is a collection of different social groups, and a party’s success depends on how well a strong local team is able to speak to each of them in a language they understand», – emphasized Zh. Tolen.

In addition to the main speakers, expert-polemists took part in the discussion, supplementing the presentations, offering alternative assessments, and identifying factors in the election campaign that require additional attention.

Following the discussion, participants noted that the current election campaign demonstrates a high level of potential voter turnout and, at the same time, a shift in the forms of political communication. Televised debates and digital platforms are expanding opportunities to engage diverse segments of the population, and electoral choices are increasingly influenced by a combination of factors—ranging from the substance of party initiatives and trust in candidates to the quality of local campaign teams’ work and the parties’ ability to maintain an ongoing dialogue with voters.

Сообщение Experts Discussed Key Trends in the “Sailau-2026” Election Campaign появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

During the event, Ambassador Stufft shared her views on the key priorities and prospects for the further development of bilateral cooperation between Kazakhstan and the United States. Particular attention was given to the growing importance of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in U.S. foreign policy, as well as to current regional and international developments.

In his remarks, KazISS Director Zhandos Shaimardanov emphasized the strategic nature of Kazakhstan – U.S. relations, which are built on mutual respect and constructive dialogue. He underscored the commitment of both Kazakhstan and the United States to further expanding cooperation across a broad range of areas, including economic, scientific, cultural, and humanitarian engagement.

The event concluded with an open Q&A session, during which KazISS experts had the opportunity to discuss with the Ambassador a wide range of issues related to contemporary U.S. foreign policy, regional security, international cooperation, and other topics of mutual interest.

The «Ambassador Hour» format provides KazISS experts with an opportunity to engage in direct professional dialogue with heads of diplomatic missions, exchange views on international affairs, and gain first-hand insights into the foreign policy priorities of partner countries.

Сообщение KazISS Hosts «Ambassador Hour» with U.S. Ambassador появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.

The event was organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KazISS). The discussion brought together leading experts, representatives of the academic community, lawyers, political scientists, heads of non-governmental organizations, and members of the region’s Public Council.

Participants discussed the regional dimension of constitutional reforms, the role of local self-government and civil society in implementing the new Constitution, as well as the development of public dialogue, political parties, and new institutions for public participation.

Opening the meeting, Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of KazISS under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, noted that the adoption of the new Constitution marked the beginning of a new stage in the country’s development, based on the principles of justice, the rule of law, accountability, and equal opportunities.

The Director of KazISS emphasized that the new political architecture strengthens the role of political parties, which are expected to engage in systematic work with the population. The establishment of the Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan) creates additional opportunities for representing regional interests and fostering public dialogue. He also highlighted the potential of the North Kazakhstan Region in developing a modern agricultural economy, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation.

Sergey Khudyakov, Director of the Institute for Local Self-Government Development, noted that the new Constitution has strengthened the powers of maslikhats and expanded opportunities related to local budgets, public oversight, and the Participatory Budget. He also emphasized that the upcoming elections to the Kurultai are taking place as part of the country’s consistent political modernization and represent a logical continuation of the constitutional reforms.

Dariga Smailova, Chairperson of the North Kazakhstan Regional Youth Association “Assembleya Zhastary” and a member of the Public Council of the North Kazakhstan Region, spoke about the importance of engaging young people in public and political life. According to the speaker, participation in elections is not only a constitutional right but also an important expression of civic responsibility.

Assel Yesszhanova, Deputy Chairperson of the Association of Legal Entities “Civil Alliance for the North Kazakhstan Region Association,” noted that a key feature of the new electoral model is the transition to a fully proportional system, under which all 145 members of the Kurultai will be elected from party lists. In her view, this approach strengthens the role of political parties, shifts competition toward political platforms and team-based responsibility, encourages party renewal, and helps reduce populism.

Timur Alzhanov, a representative of the North Kazakhstan Regional Youth Maslikhat, noted that the current electoral campaign responds to public demand for the renewal of the political system. According to him, political parties have renewed their leadership, are attracting young leaders, and are offering society new ideas and programmes.

Participants of the National Expert Platform “KazISS GPS” concluded that the successful implementation of the new Constitution will largely depend on the active participation of the regions, the development of local self-government and civil society institutions, and sustained dialogue between the state and citizens.

Сообщение “KazISS GPS”: New Constitution and the regions role in its implementation discussed in Petropavlovsk появились сначала на KAZAKHSTAN INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES
UNDER THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN.