OSCE Centre fosters discussion on local self-government in Kazakhstan
ASTANA, 21 May 2010 - Parliamentarians, national and local government officials, representatives of international and non-governmental organizations and political parties discussed how local self-government can further advance Kazakhstan's democratic developments during a conference organized today by the OSCE Centre in Astana.
The event, co-organized with the Aimak Foundation and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, brought together more than 80 participants from the capital and the regions of Kazakhstan.
"Local self-government is one of the main democratic institutions that brings the decision-making process closer to the public," said Jeannette Kloetzer, Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre. "A strong local self-government system can help tackle social, economic, environmental and security issues."
Murat Abenov, a member of Kazakhstan's parliament, added: "Government policy on regional development aims to even out social and economic differences between the country's regions. In this regard, we should continue the decentralization process, improve the budgetary allocation system and enhance the efficiency of local self-government mechanisms."
Participants discussed the implementation Kazakhstan's law on local self-government and its practical implementation in the regions. They also heard about Germany's local self-government experience and drafted recommendations for the government on legislative and institutional reforms.
The conference was part of the OSCE Centre's work to promote democratic development and the consolidation of democratic institutions in Kazakhstan.