Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Head of the Presidential Executive Office Nurlan Nigmatulin, Chairman of the Constitutional Council Igor Rogov, as well as Prosecutor General Askhat Dauylbayev took part in the meeting.
In his address to the people of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev announced his decision regarding the initiative of deputies to hold early elections to the Majilis of Parliament and regular elections to the maslikhats.
The President stressed he had thoroughly looked through the proposal of deputies to early terminate their powers and call for new elections.
Nursultan Nazarbayev noted that people should learn to live in the period of low prices for raw materials and proceed with the development of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the industrialisation programme.
In this difficult situation, the most important thing for all of us is to understand that we must live within our means, saving resources and jobs. The government and the parliament should work together, taking concerted efforts and promptly reacting to the situation. At this difficult time our people, as always, should unite to stand against any provocative acts, including those who will try to politicize and blame the deterioration of the situation on somebody else. This is a global process that no country, including Kazakhstan, could influence. Therefore, we must close our ranks and help each other,” he said.
The President noted that today our society is ready to face new challenges.
Over the past quarter century our country has come a long way towards independence. We have become a single nation that established a successful and well-respected state. I perceive the initiative of deputies as patriotic concern about the fate of Kazakhstan. Early elections to the Majilis combined with regular elections to maslikhats will save both time and financial resources. I would like to thank all the deputies for their attention to the interests of the state and manifestation of historical responsibility,” he added.
Nursultan Nazarbayev stressed that in line with the provisions of the Constitution, he had consulted with the Chairmen of both chambers of the Parliament, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Constitutional Council, following which it was decided to support the initiative of deputies.
I am convinced that the renewal of representative branches of government fully complies with the interests of the people. Political parties should nominate competent and dedicated candidates who are able to understand nowadays tasks. Today I have signed a decree on the dissolution of the Mazhilis of Parliament of the fifth convocation. Early elections to the Majilis are scheduled for March 20, 2016,” he said.
Nursultan Nazarbayev called on all citizens of Kazakhstan to support the decision dictated by the situation.
I urge all to actively participate in the elections and again to show our solidarity and unity for the future of our country. As guarantor of the Constitution, I instruct the Central Election Commission and all public authorities to ensure the legality, transparency and fairness of the upcoming elections. I am confident that the electoral campaign and the elections will help consolidate the nation at the difficult stage and bring Kazakhstan to a new level of development,” he said.
