Balance of Power: Seeking a New Format (as a recommendation)

The effectiveness of public administration lies in understanding the unique characteristics of our country, with internal and external imbalances.

As is known, our country has a vast territory with a small population. According to the World Population Prospects 2022, Kazakhstan ranks 223rd in terms of population density globally.

At the same time, it is important to consider neighboring countries that have a significant imbalance of power and resources compared to Kazakhstan

While current cooperation with these countries is favorable, there are strategic vulnerabilities associated with the potential rise to power of so-called “hawks” in these countries, posing a threat to border regions with the possibility of partial support from local populations.

This situation necessitates ensuring unity in the structure of governance.

In this regard, it is essential for the public administration system to consider the interconnection of factors such as the executive power vertical and national security, where economic security is also a component.

Meanwhile, it is also necessary to remember the importance of developing local self-government, providing full opportunities and authority to address exclusively local issues.

To find the so-called “golden mean” in these issues, the following alternative model of governance is proposed:

To ensure the stability of the executive power vertical:Introduce the appointment of akims at all levels by higher-ranking officials (akims/President of Kazakhstan) as acting officials for a trial period of 3 months;

To oversee and develop local self-government: Grant representative bodies (at relevant levels) the authority to confirm their akims (after 3 months) for a two-year term, with the possibility of extending the term for another two years if local issues are resolved positively. This model can also be applied to heads of central government bodies, with these powers granted to the Mazhilis of Parliament.

At the same time, if public administration functions are not fulfilled, the higher-ranking officials retain the right to prematurely terminate the akim’s powers within a two-year period as follows:

• The President of Kazakhstan may prematurely terminate the powers of regional, republican city, and capital city akims, as well as district akims (2nd and 3rd budget levels);

• Regional akims may prematurely terminate the powers of district-level city, rural district, settlement, and village akims (4th budget level). Thus, district and regional akims would not have the unilateral authority to prematurely terminate the powers of lower-level akims. For this, the issue would need to be raised (with justification) to a higher-level akim or the President of Kazakhstan.

Implementing this model could lead to a transformation of governance where, over the strategic period, national security interests align with the development of local self-government.