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Expert names reasons for Kazakhstan holding early presidential election

Kazakhstan Materials 16 February 2015 15:55 (UTC +04:00)
Kazakhstan will for sure hold early presidential election in 2015 as it was proposed earlier, researcher at CIDOB Barcelona Centre for International Affairs Nicolas de Pedro believes.
Expert names reasons for Kazakhstan holding early presidential election

Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.16

By Elena Kosolapova - Trend:

Kazakhstan will for sure hold early presidential election in 2015 as it was proposed earlier, researcher at CIDOB Barcelona Centre for International Affairs Nicolas de Pedro believes.

"As the proposal is coming from the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and supported by the [ruling party] Nur Otan we can assume that early elections will take place for sure in 2015. The initiative undoubtedly has the backing of the Akorda [presidential palace] which is probably its real promoter," de Pedro told Trend on Feb. 16.

The expert thinks that the early elections might be expected in just few months, probably no later than four. Moreover, de Pedro is sure that current President Nursultan Nazarbayev will renovate his mandate in few months.

Economic uncertainties, mostly as a result of low oil prices and the impact in Kazakhstan of the Western sanctions on Russia, are likely the main reasons behind the decision on the early election, according to the expert.

"Moreover Kazakhstan's national currency, tenge, is quite weak and feared to be devaluated," he said. "In addition the Eurasian integration project is getting less attractive for the Kazakh citizens (if it ever was at all) and Astana seems growingly trapped in this process."

"Snap elections reduce the risks and allow a better management of the process from the perspective of the Akorda," de Pedro said.

The next presidential election in Kazakhstan is scheduled be held in 2016. Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan Anatoly Bashmakov offered to hold early presidential election in the country in the near future.

On Feb 16. Kazakh ruling party Nur Otan issued a statement supporting the proposal of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan on early presidential election.
The ruling party expressed confidence that this move will enable to focus the efforts of the parliament, the government, central and local bodies of the government, unite the creative energy of the people in order to achieve the main goal - prosperity and welfare of Kazakhstan.

Nur Otan party summoned all citizens, political parties and social forces to support the initiative of holding early presidential election in Kazakhstan.

Edited by S.I.

Follow the author on Twitter:@E_Kosolapova

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