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Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Energy Economy Referendum State Budget Nuclear Energy Nuclear power

Nuclear Plant Referendum in Kazakhstan Will Cost $33 Million

Kazakhstan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that 15.5 billion tenge ($33 million) will be allocated to hold a referendum on constructing a nuclear power plant. CEC member Sabila Mustafina said the amount includes organizational costs and holding the referendum at 78 foreign polling stations in 63 countries. The main part of the funds — 71% — will be spent on labor remuneration for more than 77,000 election commission members. The referendum will be held on October 6. Kazakhstan's president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on holding the referendum on September 2, 2024. In his address, Tokayev emphasized that constructing nuclear power plants is a strategically important issue for the country. Tokayev noted the need to use reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources in the context of the global energy deficit. He emphasized that today, about 200 nuclear power plants operate in 30 developed and developing countries. Tokayev noted that it is vital for Kazakhstan to consider long-term national interests, environmental safety, and the population's needs, as well as the need to make thoughtful decisions on constructing nuclear power plants. The president also emphasized the importance of public support in making important decisions for the country. He said that the population should have a say in every step related to major infrastructure projects, such as the construction of nuclear plants. Discussions on constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for many years. The need for it first emerged after the closure of the Soviet reactor in Aktau in 1999.

5 months ago

Rule of law Legislation Parliament Constitution Reforms Supreme Court

Kazakhstan: The Role of the Constitutional Court in Upholding the Rule of Law

This year marks 30 years since the adoption of the current Constitution of Kazakhstan, which was approved by a popular referendum. Over the years, several changes have been made to the country's basic laws to expand citizens' rights, support political modernization, and strengthen the protection of human rights. The last referendum demonstrated the people's will and became an important milestone in the country's history. As a result, the powers of the president were reduced, and the role of parliament and local self-government bodies was significantly strengthened. An important step was the introduction of the Ombudsman for the Human Rights institution, the abolition of the death penalty, and the restoration of the Constitutional Court, Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan, has told the Asian Legal Portal. As Azimova explained, the Constitutional Court plays a critical role in ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting citizens' rights. At the same time, she noted that regulations should not only comply with the Constitution, but also be organically linked to it, creating a legal basis for the law and the state's sustainable development. Azimova also highlighted the fact that more than 120 countries worldwide have established constitutional courts or similar bodies performing constitutional oversight functions. In Kazakhstan, as in other states, citizens have the right to apply to the Constitutional Court to verify the constitutionality of laws, acts of the executive branch, and international treaties. International experience shows that such courts not only resolve legal disputes, but also improve the legal culture and continuity of constitutional processes. The revival of the Constitutional Court in Kazakhstan was an essential stage of the constitutional reform of 2022. Azimova emphasized that this body, independent of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government, strengthens the state's system of checks and balances. Citizens, the prosecutor general, and the Human Rights Ombudsman can now appeal to the Constitutional Court to uphold constitutional legality. Since January 2023, according to Azimova, the Constitutional Court has received over 7,500 appeals from citizens. In her opinion, such appeals do not indicate mass rights violations, but rather reflect citizens' dissatisfaction with the legal decisions made by state bodies. Citizens, she said, go to court when they believe their rights have been violated and there is either no response or an insufficient response from government agencies. The Azimova-led Constitutional Court has already issued 252 rulings, including 49 final decisions on the constitutionality of legal norms and acts. These decisions directly impact laws and regulations, which can be repealed or revised if found unconstitutional. Azimova also notes that the president, the Supreme Court, and members of parliament have already submitted requests to the Constitutional Court to check the constitutionality of laws. The prosecutor general and other state bodies have repeatedly requested an official interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution. For example, the prosecutor general's request included an interpretation of the prosecutor's competence in court and legal provisions on housing deprivation. In June 2023, Azimova presented an annual message to Parliament on...

5 months ago

China Issyk-Kul Border International Relations

New Checkpoint Opens on Kyrgyzstan’s Border With China

A new checkpoint has opened along the Kyrgyz-Chinese border, in the settlement of Bedel in the Issyk-Kul region. Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov called the event historic and significant for the country. In his address, Japarov emphasized that opening the Bedel checkpoint is a significant achievement that opens new opportunities for strengthening ties with China, one of the world's leading economies. This step, he said, will significantly increase Kyrgyzstan's transport and logistics potential, and strengthen the strategic partnership with China, symbolizing a new stage in bilateral relations. The issue of opening the Bedel checkpoint has been discussed since 1996, but agreements were reached only last year, during Japarov's state visit to China. The new checkpoint is the third checkpoint on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China. It is located in the remote southeastern region of Kyrgyzstan, about equidistant from the Kyrgyz town of Karakol and the district of Aksu in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Historically, travelers and traders used this pass on the Silk Road. The opening of the Bedel border station is expected to significantly improve trade ties between the two countries, and relieve pressure on existing border crossings.

5 months ago

Nuclear Energy Nuclear power Environmental Awareness Referendum

Kazakhstan to Hold Nuclear Plant Referendum on October 6

A popular vote on the need to build a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan will be held on October 6. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced this during his annual address to the nation. “Given the growing global energy deficit, we need reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources. Therefore, I believe it is necessary to pay close attention to the development of nuclear energy. This type of generation can largely meet the rapidly growing needs of our economy. About 200 nuclear power plants are operating in 30 developed and developing countries,” the head of state said. Discussions on constructing a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan have been ongoing for many years. The idea of the need for a nuclear power plant first appeared after the closure of the Soviet reactor in Aktau in 1999. Since then, the country has repeatedly raised questions about the development of nuclear power, especially in the context of improving energy security and climate change resilience. However, public opinion is divided: many people in the country remember the consequences of nuclear tests at the Semipalatinsk test site and fear environmental risks. In 2021, discussions about constructing a nuclear power plant intensified when a possible site for Kazakhstan's first atomic power plant began to be considered in Almaty region, near the village of Ulken. These plans sparked lively public debate and protests among residents and environmentalists. According to Tokayev, Kazakhstan should consider the future, taking into account long-term national interests and the country's specifics. “Every step important for the country's life should be made with the support of the people. So, it should be done by referendum on the nuclear power plant; this topic has been on the public agenda for a year. I believe this is the time for citizens to make an informed decision. The upcoming referendum will be another manifestation of a broad national dialog and a vivid example of realizing the concept of a 'listening state.' In fact, with such steps, we form a new socio-political culture and lay new standards for making key state decisions,” he said.

5 months ago

Education Language Teaching Languages TV

Tajikistan to Launch Foreign Language TV Channel

On September 1, in a speech dedicated to "Knowledge Day,' Tajik President Emomali Rahmon ordered the creation of a TV channel specializing in teaching children foreign languages. In his emphasis on the the need for a comprehensive approach to children's development, the president highlighted the importance of studying sciences, crafts, moral values, modern technologies, and mastering foreign languages. With regard to the latter, special attention will be paid to Russian and English, as well as other foreign languages, to better prepare young people for the modern challenges and demands of both domestic and foreign labor markets. The President also noted the importance of adapting educational programs to meet the current and future needs of these markets. The creation of a TV channel dedicated to teaching foreign languages is part of a broader government strategy to improve the country's educational standards and integration into the global community. Several languages are spoken in Tajikistan. Tajik (a form of Persian) is recognized as the official language, while Russian is recognized as an interethnic language. Uzbek is the third most commonly spoken language and minority languages include Kyrgyz, Yagnob, Parya, and various forms of Pamiri. The most popular foreign languages amongst students include English and Chinese.

5 months ago