Early presidential vote will help prevent outside provocation - Majilis MP

    Early presidential elections will help Kazakhstan prevent provocation from outside its borders as well as allow it to tackle external conflicts, Serik Seidumanov, member of the Majilis is quoted by Tengrinews as saying.
    On February 14, the Board of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan suggested holding presidential election in Kazakhstan early. The election is scheduled for 2016, but the assembly proposed to hold them this year.
    According to the assembly, amid the intensifying global economic crisis, the early election would enable Kazakhstan to efficiently implement the Nurly-Zhol Anti-Crisis Program and to further pursue the long-term priorities set by the Kazakhstan-2050 Strategy.
    In this tough period, we urge all Kazakhstanis to unite around Nursultan Nazarbayev, the incumbent leader of the country. It is important to ensure through the early election, continuous economic growth and a consistency of policies. There are no alternatives to this initiative. Besides, 2016 is the year of both the presidential and parliamentary elections. It is reasonable to hold the two elections at different time to make sure all the constitutional rules are fully respected, the Assembly said in the appeal to the deputies representing the Assembly of the People in the Majilis.
    Seidumanov also expressed his support for holding presidential elections this year. This Sunday, I witnessed the reaction of Almaty residents to the suggestion of the Assembly of the People (regarding the early presidential elections). It was unexpected, but this reaction gave way to approval. It was evident people breathed freely. This initiative on early elections has removed some secret fears. Moreover, our people are aware of the complexity of the external situation. People almost immediately understood that it was a chance to resolve important issues and go through a period of trials under the leadership of Elbasy (President Nazarbayev)," Seidumanov said.
    He added the world economic and geopolitical crisis has been deepening, while calling on the people of Kazakhstan to be even more united during this difficult time, according to Tengrinews.