Best practices in local self-governance focus of OSCE workshop in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 17 November 2015 – A seminar organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and National Economy Ministry on best practices in local self-governance took place today in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The event was held for some 30 members of an inter-departmental working group on drafting legislation on local self-governance, consisting of parliamentarians, akims (mayors) from rural districts and small towns, representatives of the Agriculture, Finance and National Economy Ministries, the Central Election Commission, academia as well as international and non-governmental organizations.

Participants examined ways to improve the effectiveness of governance at the local level and developed legislative proposals in line with best international practices. Experts from France and Hungary shared their country’s experience in building an efficient partnership between central and local authorities in the process of decentralization and in the delegation of public functions, establishing local governance revenue sources and developing a system to monitor local budget implementation. The workshop also offered an opportunity to address current challenges in managing local bodies of power in rural areas and explore ways to involve citizens in the democratic decision-making process.

“The recently adopted legislation on local self-governance will provide for the full implementation of the Concept of Local Self-governance and recommendations of the National Commission for Modernization,” Member of Parliament Shalatay Mirzakhatmetov said. “In particular, this document will help enhance the citizens’ role in decision-making at the local level, most notably related to community property management.”

Natalia Zarudna, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, emphasized Kazakhstan’s progress in the past three years in introducing local self-governance. “Yet, there are some outstanding issues, specifically related to ensuring equal social standards nationwide, developing an explicit mechanism for the election of local authorities and enhancing the accountability of local authorities, that should be taken into account in drafting legislation for the next stage of the decentralization reform.”

The event is part of the Programme Office’s long-term efforts to promote good governance and democratic development in the host country.