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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Kazakstan
Index
Government: Strong presidential system, prescribed in
1993 constitution and reinforced by dismissal of parliament and beginning
of direct presidential rule by Nursultan Nazarbayev, 1995. Presidential
election delayed by referendum until 2000. New constitution, approved in
August 1995 referendum, mandates bicameral parliament and increases
presidential power. Parliamentary election for both houses held December
1995. Nineteen provinces and city of Almaty run by executives appointed by
national president.
Politics: Close government control of legal political
parties has not prevented numerous groups from forming. Participation in
1994 and 1995 parliamentary elections limited to approved parties, but
1994 parliament strongly opposed many of Nazarbayev's programs. Election
of 1994 declared invalid, and parliament dissolved in early 1995.
Nazarbayev's People's Unity Party retained plurality in 1995 elections.
Several Kazak and Russian nationalist parties with small representation in
govern-ment.
Foreign Policy: Post-Soviet broad search for
international support, role as bridge between East and West, under
personal direction of President Nazarbayev. Critical balance of Russian
and Chinese influence, careful reserve toward Muslim world outside Central
Asia; proposal of Euro-Asian Union to replace CIS, 1994. Active diplomatic
role in CIS crises (Nagorno-Karabakh, Tajikistan).
International Agreements and Memberships: Member of
United Nations (UN), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Partnership
for Peace, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE),
Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Asian Bank, International
Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, CIS, International Criminal Police
Organization (Interpol).
Data as of March 1996
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