OSCE Centre fosters discussion on political reforms in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 26 September 2008 - Legislation on political parties and elections as a contributing factor to the reforms process in Kazakhstan was the topic of a roundtable discussion today organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Public Foundation for Parliamentary Development in Kazakhstan.

More than 40 Members of Parliament and representatives of the government as well as international and non-governmental organizations discussed the involvement of political parties and civil society in the legislative reforms. The talks aimed to support development of a sustainable multi-party system in Kazakhstan and of democratic election procedures compliant with OSCE principles. Participants also discussed the need for closer co-operation between state authorities, political forces and the non-governmental sector on issues of the upcoming Kazakh OSCE Chairmanship in 2010.

"Today's roundtable discussion is particularly important in the run-up to the 2010 OSCE Chairmanship of Kazakhstan, and the OSCE Centre is committed to supporting the reform process and helping to foster closer co-operation with civil society," said Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

The event is a part of the Centre's activities aimed at promoting democratic development and consolidation of democratic institutions in Kazakhstan.