Reforms - The Times Of Central Asia

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President Tokayev

President Tokayev: Kazakhstan Charts Its Own Course

In a rare, candid interview with Al Jazeera, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan projected a steady, pragmatic vision for his country’s future, portraying it as a stabilizing force amid turbulent global currents. Tokayev explained how his government is navigating complex pressures at home and abroad, from economic modernization and digital transformation to balancing ties with Russia, China, Europe, and the United States. The message was one of controlled ambition: Kazakhstan will not be rushed, but rather steer a measured course of reform and integration, balancing domestic stability with global engagement. Tokayev opened the interview by acknowledging the obstacles facing Kazakhstan’s domestic reforms, notably the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. These external shocks, he explained, have tested the country’s resilience and delayed the delivery of the “New Kazakhstan” that he promised three years ago. Yet he remained firm in his commitment to a gradual but determined path forward. “We must be frank, we must be pragmatic, but at the same time we need to be very much bold,” he said. Domestically, Tokayev defended his record on political reform, including the legalization of opposition parties and the introduction of a one-term presidency of seven years. “I have already announced that I will step down” in 2029, he said, adding that this was “a demand of my people.” This latter move is unprecedented in the region. Tokayev characterized Kazakhstan’s laws as “quite democratic,” dismissing criticisms from organizations like the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe and Human Rights Watch as biased and detached from the country’s political and historical context. "I don't believe that we should follow recommendations of human rights organizations nowadays," he said, also mentioning foreign funders behind certain NGOs, which he left unnamed. Acknowledging the need for further reforms, particularly in media freedom and civil liberties, Tokayev made clear that stability remains the overriding priority. “Without stability, there will be no reforms, no modernization, no transformation of our society,” he said. Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to a “law and order” strategy to promote greater stability, where the laws fully comply with international standards. Tokayev's remarks on measured progress typify his leadership style, which admits the complexity of transformation while setting pragmatic goals. His program of a “fair and just Kazakhstan” reflects his awareness of domestic discontent with wealth disparities that simmer beneath the surface of economic expansion. The country's economy remains dominated by hydrocarbon fuels, which account for over half of exports. Tokayev’s vision of transforming Kazakhstan into a “non-hydrocarbon country” by 2060 strikes a pragmatic note. “Coal in our domestic energy balance accounts for 73%. We cannot give up coal just overnight,” he said, signaling both realism and the limits of immediate energy transition. The diversification of transport routes — including the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (the Middle Corridor) and the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline — aligns with his goal of mitigating overdependence on Russia and ensuring economic security amid global uncertainty. Tokayev’s foreign policy strikes a careful balance between continuity and adaptation. While acknowledging Kazakhstan’s reliance on...

Reforms

Kyrgyzstan Launches Large-Scale Public Administration Reform

On March 10, the Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, announced the launch of sweeping public administration reforms aimed at eliminating excessive bureaucratic barriers, accelerating decision-making processes, and improving government efficiency. The reform is part of the implementation of the presidential decree "On Additional Measures to Improve the Efficiency and Debureaucratization of the Civil Service System of the Kyrgyz Republic." Under this decree, President Sadyr Japarov appointed Minister of Justice Ayaz Baetov as the director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives (NISI) and a Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers until October 1, 2025. The NISI has been granted broad powers to coordinate the public administration reform. Key Areas of the Reform Audit of government agencies - identifying and eliminating redundant and ineffective structures. Regulatory framework optimization - removing excessive regulations. Digitalization of government services - reducing bureaucratic procedures. Outsourcing of government functions - transferring some responsibilities to the private sector. Enhancing government efficiency - cutting costs and accelerating decision-making processes. Kasymaliyev underscored the significance of these reforms. "Today, we are beginning a fundamental transformation of public administration. This is a decisive and even radical step aimed at accelerating all development processes in our country. The world is changing rapidly, and nations have entered a new phase of global competition. Kyrgyzstan must meet these challenges, and our main task is to remove all obstacles to the President’s reforms in the economy, public administration, and social sphere." The head of the Cabinet stressed that the reform must yield significant results within six months.

Tokayev

Tokayev on Kazakhstan’s Future: Reforms, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership

In an interview with the Kazakh newspaper Ana Tili, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed pressing domestic and international policy issues shaping Kazakhstan's development. Tokayev highlighted Kazakhstan’s role as a stabilizing force in the international arena during a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. “My main goal is to strengthen the economic potential, sovereignty, and international position of our state. From the very beginning of my presidency, I have taken full responsibility for the decisions I make and their consequences. I cannot and do not want to work any other way,” Tokayev stated. [caption id="attachment_27253" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image: Akorda[/caption] Reflecting on Qantar - Building a Just Kazakhstan Tokayev addressed the January 2022 unrest - Qantar - describing the upheaval as a consequence of deep-rooted social injustice and political stagnation. “Three years after Qantar, most of our citizens understand that the unprecedented unrest was driven by social inequality, political stagnation, and the self-serving ambitions of the conspirators,” Tokayev said, warning against the spread of misinformation surrounding the events and emphasized that decisive action was necessary to preserve Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. Tokayev reiterated his commitment to creating a fairer Kazakhstan where all citizens are equal before the law. “Justice is not universal equalization. My course on the fair distribution of national wealth does not mean total expropriation or redistribution of property and assets. Such a policy would lead to degradation and chaos. Instead, we aim to eliminate illegal privileges and return unlawfully acquired assets to the state as part of our modernization strategy,” the president said. Relations with Nazarbayev While acknowledging the achievements of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president, Tokayev also critiqued certain aspects of his leadership. “After resigning but remaining chairman of the Security Council, he often held meetings with key officials, creating confusion and sparking rumors of dual power. This situation led some to claim that the Elbasy Institute should supersede presidential authority,” Tokayev noted. He further revealed that Nazarbayev had considered returning to power in 2021, citing his strong ties to Moscow. Advancing Political Reforms and International Relations Tokayev pointed to the successful implementation of key political reforms, emphasizing greater openness and the activation of public participation. “The concept of ‘Strong President, Influential Parliament, Accountable Government’ best suits Kazakhstan’s political system. However, achieving this fully requires sustained effort,” Tokayev explained, reaffirming his belief that a presidential system remains the optimal governance model for Kazakhstan. Tokayev also elaborated on relations with major powers, including Russia, China, and the United States, underscoring the importance of Kazakhstan’s partnership with Russia, highlighting their shared border and deep economic ties. “President Putin is an experienced statesman who values Kazakhstan’s strategic importance as Central Asia’s largest economy. Our constant communication fosters stability in Eurasia,” Tokayev said. He described Kazakhstan’s cooperation with China as dynamic and multifaceted, elevating their relationship to the level of an "eternal strategic partnership." Tokayev also mentioned his conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, noting Trump’s positive view of Kazakhstan as a strategic partner. Nuclear Power Plans, Middle Powers and Global Stability On nuclear energy, Tokayev...

Legislation

Kazakhstan’s Path to Judicial Reform and Transparency

Kazakhstan is implementing reforms to enhance judicial independence, modernize its institutions, and address contemporary challenges according to Aslambek Mergaliev, Chairman of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, who detailed these initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law and increasing transparency in the judicial system. Strengthening Judicial Independence Central to these reforms is ensuring judges’ independence by depoliticizing their roles and holding them accountable only to the law. Judges are prohibited from affiliating with political parties, and personnel matters have been fully transferred to the Supreme Judicial Council. Key advancements include transparent selection procedures for judges and the introduction of new professional standards. A pivotal guarantee of independence is the new funding model, which allocates at least 6.5% of the state apparatus budget to the judiciary, reducing financial dependence on other government branches. Judges’ professional performance is now evaluated by their peers, supported by the "Electronic File of a Judge," an automated service designed to minimize bias. Additionally, the authority to approve special operational and investigative measures against judges has been transferred to the Prosecutor General. Introduction of Administrative Justice Kazakhstan established an administrative justice system in 2021, primarily aimed at protecting citizens' rights and improving public administration. This system has significantly increased the number of cases involving housing, tax, and land disputes, reflecting growing public trust in the judiciary. The percentage of court decisions in favor of citizens has risen from 15% to over 60%. Jury trials have also expanded, with the number of cases tried by jury more than doubling in recent years. Digital Transformation of the Judiciary Kazakhstan is leveraging digital technology to modernize its judicial processes, earning the country 4th place among 47 nations in reviews conducted by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) on the judicial systems of Council of Europe member states. Tools such as Digital Analytics of Judicial Practice and a robotic assistant help reduce judges’ workloads, predict case outcomes, and optimize adjudication. Additionally, the Supreme Court has initiated the broader use of electronic surveillance as an alternative to detention, favoring house arrest with electronic bracelets. International Recognition At the IX Congress of Judges in October 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev engaged with representatives from CEPEJ and the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) to discuss the progress of judicial reforms. Special emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in human rights protection. The Union of Judges of Kazakhstan has established partnerships with organizations such as UNDP, OSCE, the Council of Europe, USAID, and the International Bar Association, among others. Future Steps Looking ahead to 2025, Kazakhstan plans to establish three courts of cassation and introduce a “continuous cassation” system. The Supreme Court will prioritize ensuring uniformity in judicial practice, with cases reviewed only at the initiative of the highest judicial authority.

Human rights

Global Human Rights Body Condemns Inaction of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman

The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (OHCHR-SCA) has issued sharp criticism of Turkmenistan’s Ombudsman Office. According to the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), the institution has failed to actively protect human rights despite credible reports of serious violations by state entities. One major concern highlighted by the SCA is the Ombudsman’s lack of responsiveness to appeals from human rights organizations. This raises doubts about its ability to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation with key stakeholders. The SCA also expressed alarm over the absence of transparency in how civil society is involved in ensuring the independence and impartiality of the Ombudsman’s operations. Furthermore, limited access for applicants and a poorly maintained website—last updated in February—underscore deficiencies in the institution’s functionality. The controversy surrounding Human Rights Ombudsman Yazdursun Gurbannazarova further fuels criticism. Last year, Gurbannazarova reportedly pressured journalist Soltan Achilova to cancel a planned trip to Geneva, a move widely condemned by observers. These actions reinforce the SCA’s assessment that the Ombudsman’s Office is not fulfilling its mandate. Turkmenistan has long faced scrutiny from human rights organizations for systematic violations. Amnesty International has reported widespread use of torture, denial of medical care to political prisoners, and persecution of opposition figures within and outside the country. Human Rights Watch has documented cases of intimidation, including threats against the families of dissidents living abroad. The SCA’s findings shed light on Turkmenistan’s ongoing challenges in addressing human rights concerns and underscore the need for reforms in its Ombudsman Office to meet international standards.

Domestic Violence

#ForSaltanat: The Quest for Justice in Domestic Violence Cases in Kazakhstan

In the spring of 2024, the televised murder trial of Kuandyk Bishimbayev, Kazakhstan’s former Minister of the National Economy, captivated viewers across the country. Bishimbayev was found guilty of the brutal murder of his wife, Saltanat Nukenova, in a restaurant in Astana, and sentenced to 24 years in prison. Comparisons to the O.J. Simpson trial of 1995 were inevitable. Both trials involved a prominent figure — in this case, a politician previously pardoned by President Nursultan Nazarbayev after serving time for corruption — a victim who had endured domestic abuse, and a massive viewership. Bishimbayev's trial underscored public fascination with the case, driven not only by its reality TV appeal but by a growing awareness of deeply ingrained gender inequities, particularly regarding the societal expectations placed on Kazakh women within marriage. The trial’s timing occurred shortly before — and perhaps by no coincidence — new legislation was signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on April 15, 2024, amending laws to protect the rights and safety of women and children. However, critics noted an omission: a clear, targeted focus on preventing domestic violence. Two Kazakh women, who shared their stories with The Times of Central Asia, revealed the extent to which domestic violence remains embedded in Kazakh society. Rayana, from Astana, and Aliya, a Kazakh student in New York City, have never met, yet their stories echo shared challenges and hopes for change in their home country. Rayana, a beauty industry professional in her mid-twenties, reflected on her brief and tumultuous marriage, which began when she was 23. “I loved my husband, but felt it was too early to marry. We married just four months after meeting, and within a month of living together, I wanted a divorce. He was unfaithful and violent.” When Rayana sought help from her mother-in-law, she was told that her mother-in-law had also been a victim of domestic violence and that she, too, must learn to endure it. “It is worth mentioning that in Kazakhstan the north is very different from the south,” Rayana added. “I'm a northerner, he's a southerner. I had never experienced abuse before, and then for the first time, I felt a panic attack, which I still live with. In the south, people adhere more to traditions and have a negative attitude towards divorce and washing their dirty linen in public. Women keep silent about domestic violence. I can’t say anything about his family’s attitude. I still don’t fully understand.” Having grown up around domestic violence, she believes that one in two families is affected by it. After separating, Rayana’s family offered her support, while her in-laws disapproved, even throwing out her belongings. Rayana’s life since then, however, has vastly improved. “I have been working in the beauty industry for a long time. In our field, at least, climbing the career ladder is not difficult. My first supervisor helped me a lot. He spoke fondly of his wife and cared about his female employees. This gives us faith that there are good men...