Local Politics - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 1133

Political Reforms

Tokayev Unveils Major Political Reforms as Kazakhstan Moves to Replace the National Kurultai

The fifth and final session of the National Kurultai in Kazakhstan, held on January 20, marked the announcement of plans to dismantle and replace two key institutions: the National Kurultai and the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, structures that have played central roles in the country’s civic dialogue, particularly over the past three decades. In a sweeping address, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared that these legacy institutions would be replaced by new mechanisms for state-society interaction, crafted with an eye toward modern governance models and constitutional reform. The move reflects Tokayev’s long-running criticism of consultative bodies that, while symbolically inclusive, have often duplicated functions or lacked clear decision-making authority. Tokayev’s address, which included references to U.S. President Donald Trump, prompted analysts to draw deeper geopolitical and institutional parallels. As Tokayev enters the second phase of his presidency, analysts note a shift in strategy and control. His first term (2019-2022) was marked by attempts to correct the excesses and structural stagnation of his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev. At the time, Tokayev faced entrenched resistance from the political establishment, with some officials reportedly appealing directly to Nazarbayev to circumvent presidential directives. The January 2022 unrest, an attempted power shift, marked a turning point. Tokayev consolidated power and launched a comprehensive reform agenda across the political and economic spectrum. The analogy with Trump, some analysts argue, lies in this dual-phase leadership: an initial struggle with the establishment, followed by a more assertive, transformation-driven second term. Since then, Tokayev has framed political reform as a safeguard against elite capture and institutional paralysis, arguing that fragmented authority contributed to the crisis. Yet Tokayev continues to face political resistance, particularly to structural reforms. Political analyst Daniyar Ashimbayev, commenting on Tokayev’s Kurultai speech, described the president’s evolving approach as both methodical and tactical. “Sometimes, the head of state announces strategic steps he has been considering for over a year, but only unveils them at the last moment, when no one has the opportunity to influence the message,” Ashimbayev observed. He cited Tokayev’s September 2025 proposal for a unicameral parliament as an example of such strategic maneuvering, an initiative that caught even senior officials by surprise. Ashimbayev argues that Tokayev’s aim was to sideline speculation about succession by announcing long-term institutional reforms. The president further solidified this strategy by reviving the position of vice president, abolished under Nazarbayev, while proposing the dissolution or merging of overlapping structures such as the Senate, the Assembly of the People, and the Kurultai into a proposed National People’s Council. This consolidation, Ashimbayev notes, serves both symbolic and strategic purposes. “The image of a 'lame duck' has vanished, and a self-confident Uncle Scrooge, so to speak, with complex plans, has returned. Everyone expected the discussions to take a year or a year and a half, but the president decided to seize the initiative again and unexpectedly moved the Kurultai to January, where he announced a huge package of new ideas,” he remarked. The announcement of the vice presidency, one of the most consequential changes, reportedly...

Healthcare Reform

Kazakh Government Transfers Control of Controversial Medical Fund to Ministry of Finance

The Kazakh government has restructured the management of the Social Medical Insurance Fund (SMIF), transferring oversight of its operations to the Ministry of Finance. The decision was formalized by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov following a comprehensive audit of the fund’s financial activities conducted over the past month. The SMIF serves as the principal operator of Kazakhstan’s Compulsory Social Medical Insurance (CSMI) system. It collects contributions from employees, employers, and the state, then allocates these funds to medical institutions based on the volume of services rendered. However, the fund’s operations have faced sustained public and parliamentary criticism. In January 2025, members of parliament declared that the SMIF had lost the public’s trust and called for tighter oversight of its expenditures. Delayed Audit and Financial Irregularities Despite growing concerns, a large-scale audit had long been postponed. It was not until December 2025 that the Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Finance with analyzing the fund’s financial flows. Finance Minister Madi Takiev presented the audit’s findings last week. According to the government press service, the results raised serious concerns about the overall effectiveness of the country’s healthcare financing model. Despite a steady rise in expenditures, the Ministry of Finance found that SMIF’s efficiency had not improved. Since 2020, the fund’s investment income totaled $1.1 billion, including $383 million in 2025 alone. A significant portion of these funds, however, was not allocated toward medical services, and instead accumulated in the fund’s reserves. Overbilling and Digital System Failures An IT audit of the healthcare information system revealed extensive violations in service reporting. These included billing for fictitious patients, services provided without medical necessity, and instances of double financing. Numerous cases documented implausibly high volumes of procedures performed within short timeframes. Several high-profile anomalies stood out. In some reports, medical services were recorded for individuals who were deceased at the time. In another case, minors were allegedly prescribed more than a thousand medications in a single day. Tax authorities also conducted a desk audit of the directors of medical institutions, comparing declared incomes with actual property holdings. Transition to Centralized Oversight In response to the audit, Bektenov ordered that all materials be forwarded to law enforcement agencies for further investigation. This marks the effective dismantling of SMIF’s former autonomous governance model in favor of centralized control by the Ministry of Finance. The move comes amid rising fiscal pressure on the healthcare system. In 2026, the government will continue to fund medical insurance premiums for socially vulnerable groups. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the state will finance insurance coverage for over one million unemployed citizens.

Parliamentary Reform

Tokayev Floats Vice President Post at National Kurultai as Kazakhstan Weighs Political Overhaul

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev used the fifth session of Kazakhstan’s National Kurultai on January 20 to propose creating a vice president’s post and embedding the new institution in the constitution, as part of a broader package of political reforms aimed at reshaping the country’s system of governance. Under the proposal, the vice president would be appointed by the president and confirmed by parliament by a simple majority vote. The president would define the vice president’s authority, which could include representing Kazakhstan at international forums and negotiations, representing the head of state in parliament, and engaging with domestic and international organizations in political, scientific, cultural, and educational fields. “The establishment of this position will stabilize the process of state governance, and will also bring final clarity regarding the hierarchy of power,” Tokayev said at the Kurultai. Kazakhstan does not currently have a vice president. Executive authority is vested in the presidency, while the government is led by a prime minister, with succession procedures defined by the constitution. Tokayev said the key provisions governing the new post, including its functions, should be enshrined directly in the constitution. The vice presidency was presented as part of a wider administrative restructuring. Tokayev said several administrative structures that support the current parliament would be abolished, along with the position of state counselor. He added that the functions, structure, and management system of the Presidential Administration would be reformed in line with practical needs. The Kurultai session in Kyzylorda took place as the administration advances a more far-reaching overhaul of the legislature. Tokayev has promoted a transition from Kazakhstan’s bicameral parliament, composed of the Senate and the Mazhilis, to a unicameral system, arguing that the change would simplify governance and shorten decision-making chains. [caption id="attachment_42476" align="aligncenter" width="1280"] President Tokayev at the National Kurultai; image: Akorda.kz[/caption] He outlined parameters for a future unicameral parliament, saying it could consist of around 145 deputies, be led by three vice-chairs, and operate with no more than eight standing committees. He also proposed renaming the legislature the “Kurultai,” saying the term reflects historical traditions of popular representation. The parliamentary reform agenda is being developed by a working group that began reviewing constitutional options in late 2025. The idea of moving to a unicameral system was first raised in Tokayev’s national address on September 8, 2025. On January 19, Tokayev held a meeting with the working group on parliamentary reform in Astana, where aides reported that the group had reviewed constitutional approaches to reshaping the legislature and discussed key approaches to constitutional reform based on proposals from citizens, experts, and civil organizations. Tokayev has tied the parliamentary overhaul to a nationwide vote. He reaffirmed that citizens would make the final decision through a referendum and said Kazakhstan is targeting 2027 for a public vote on abolishing the Senate and moving to a unicameral legislature. The latest reform proposals build on constitutional changes adopted after the unrest of January 2022. In June 2022, Kazakhstan held a nationwide referendum on proposed constitutional amendments, with more...

Migrant Rights

Uzbekistan Urges Diplomats to Actively Defend Citizens Abroad

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has directed Uzbekistan’s diplomats to take a more proactive role in protecting the rights of citizens living and working abroad, amid rising public concern over reported abuses during migration checks and raids in foreign countries. The issue was raised during a video conference chaired by Mirziyoyev on the performance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the country's diplomatic missions overseas, according to the president’s press secretary. Mirziyoyev noted that the presence of Uzbek citizens residing abroad illegally remains a pressing issue for the state. In 2025, Uzbekistan secured a migration amnesty for more than 150,000 of its nationals in Russia. During the meeting, officials were instructed to intensify talks with other countries to facilitate legal employment pathways for Uzbek citizens, while also stressing that migrants must comply with the laws of their host countries. The president said that assisting labor migrants, particularly in countries experiencing rising inflows of Uzbek workers, must become a central responsibility of consular staff. Special attention was given to European states, where the number of Uzbek labor migrants has grown in recent years. He also called for the simplification of consular registration procedures and the elimination of excessive bureaucracy. Reports of rights violations during foreign law enforcement raids have triggered significant public backlash. Mirziyoyev criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for often responding only with formal diplomatic notes, saying that ambassadors and consuls must provide qualified legal support and actively defend the interests of Uzbek citizens in such cases. The president also raised concerns about the risk of young people and students abroad being drawn into radical movements. He called on diplomats to abandon “cabinet diplomacy” and instead visit construction sites, dormitories, and classrooms to directly engage with citizens and address their needs. As part of the new measures, officials were instructed to establish a free call center for citizens abroad facing difficult situations, enabling rapid coordination with the relevant ministries. Separately, the Foreign Ministry has yet to confirm whether it has issued a diplomatic note in response to recent remarks by Russian propagandist Vladimir Solovyov, who suggested launching a “special military operation” in Central Asia. In an interview with Kun.uz, parliamentary deputy Bobur Bekmurodov said it may be premature to assess the ministry’s response but noted that Solovyov’s comments could warrant declaring him an undesirable person in Uzbekistan.

DUMK

Kazakhstan to Launch AI-Powered Imam App

Kazakhstan’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims (DUMK) is set to integrate artificial intelligence into religious practice with the launch of Imam AI, a mobile application designed to provide believers with instant, Sharia-compliant answers to religious questions. The initiative aims to ease the burden on clergy and offer verified religious guidance in a digital format. According to DUMK, the adoption of AI reflects growing public demand for fast and reliable religious information. “In line with modern requirements, we need to systematically introduce the capabilities of artificial intelligence into the religious sphere,” the organization stated in a post on the muftyatkz Instagram page. The Imam AI app will be built on AI technology and will draw from authenticated sources of Islamic knowledge. Supreme Mufti Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly stated that the platform would comply fully with Sharia law while providing accessible, on-demand religious consultations. This development is part of a broader effort to digitally transform religious institutions in Kazakhstan. The country has already begun incorporating AI into public administration, notably with the introduction of SKAI, a neural network based on a national language model used in state and quasi-state management. As a further step, DUMK plans to draft a Digital Development Concept for 2026-2028, which will set priorities for the digitalization of religious activities. The Supreme Mufti stressed that failing to adapt to technological change means falling behind the needs of contemporary society. “We are living in an era of technology and digital opportunity. Our responsibility is the systematic and widespread use of digital solutions and artificial intelligence in religious practice, in full accordance with Sharia law,” Taganuly noted. Another key initiative involves the creation of an Islamic finance sector under DUMK. The Mufti stated that growing religious awareness and a desire for ethical earnings have fueled demand for financial products that align with Islamic principles. The new sector will offer Sharia reviews of financial instruments and issue fatwas related to leasing, insurance, investments, bonds, digital assets, and electronic payment systems. Together, the launch of Imam AI and the institutionalization of Islamic finance mark a broader convergence of religion, technology, and economics in Kazakhstan. A recent joint report by the Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank Institute, and the London Stock Exchange forecasts steady growth in Islamic finance across Central Asia. For Kazakhstan, the digitalization of the religious sphere is becoming a key component of its broader modernization agenda, positioning AI not as a novelty but as a practical tool for improving access and meeting evolving societal expectations.

Road Safety

Kazakh Politician Proposes Allowing Private Laboratories to Conduct Driver Intoxication Tests

Zhanna Asanova, a member of the Senate, the upper house of Kazakhstan’s parliament, has proposed allowing private medical laboratories to conduct examinations for alcohol and drug intoxication in drivers. The proposal was submitted as a parliamentary inquiry addressed to the government. At present, such medical examinations are conducted exclusively by state-run medical institutions equipped with laboratory facilities. However, Asanova argued that the capacity of this system is severely limited. Citing Almaty as an example, she noted that Kazakhstan’s largest city, with a population exceeding two million, currently has only two state laboratories handling all intoxication-related cases. This, she said, hinders the timely processing of examinations. Asanova emphasized that the current centralized model creates both procedural delays and corruption risks. The absence of alternative institutions undermines public trust in the objectivity of results and creates opportunities for abuse. “The remoteness and overload of laboratories mean that individuals remain in a vulnerable procedural position for hours, while police officers waste time and resources. This undermines the overall effectiveness of the law enforcement system,” she said. The senator also noted that citizens currently have no right to choose their testing institution or request an independent re-examination, which restricts their ability to mount an effective legal defense. Another risk, according to Asanova, stems from the heavy workload and outdated equipment in some state laboratories. These limitations can lead to procedural violations during sample collection, storage, and analysis, ultimately compromising the reliability of evidence presented in court. She also pointed out that existing equipment in state labs is not always capable of detecting a broad spectrum of psychoactive substances, including synthetic, combined, and toxic compounds such as so-called “salts”, which require more advanced testing technologies. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has a network of private laboratories equipped with modern diagnostic tools and staffed by qualified professionals, but their resources remain largely untapped within the current system. As a solution, Asanova proposed creating a new model that would allow accredited private laboratories to conduct medical examinations on equal footing with state institutions, and to include them in a unified national register. She also called for granting citizens the right to independently select a laboratory for repeat testing. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to reform Kazakhstan’s road safety system. Previously The Times of Central Asia reported that Senator Marat Kozhaev had proposed introducing an “idiocy test” for repeat traffic offenders as a potential basis for revoking their driving licenses.