President Nursultan Nazarbayev has set snap presidential elections in Kazakhstan for April 3, a source at the presidential administration told KazTAG.
"President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a decree setting snap elections for April 3, 2011. On Friday, the document will be published in the official press," the source said.
According to the source, upon the decree, the Central Election Commission, Government of Kazakhstan, governors of regions, cities of Astana and Almaty were instructed to organize and conduct snap presidential elections.
"The decree comes into force after publication in the press," said the source.
Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev decided not to hold a referendum and suggested snap presidential elections, he said in his address to Kazakh citizens on Jan. 31.
"I submit a suggestion about holding snap presidential elections, although by this I reduce presidential term by almost 2 years," said Nazarbayev.
Law on amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which enables the president to arrange snap elections, came to force on Feb. 3.
Also on Feb. 3 the Parliament adopted and the President signed Law on amendments and additions to some constitutional laws of Kazakhstan, which are aimed at implementing constitutional law on elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan and President of Kazakhstan. In accordance with this law, the constitutional basis was established for holding snap presidential elections in Kazakhstan. The law will be published in print on Friday.