Final Televised Debates Ahead of Kazakhstan's First Kurultai Elections Held Live on 24KZ

The final televised debates ahead of the country's first-ever elections to the Kurultai were broadcast live on 24KZ. Leaders of all seven political parties met on one platform. Four rounds, questions from voters themselves, and final campaign addresses. The political contest moved beyond campaign meetings and election rallies.

For the first time, the leaders of all seven parties running in the Kurultai elections met in the 24KZ studio. A special preview broadcast began one hour before the debates. Live reports from party headquarters, interviews with experts, and international TV bridges provided an information build-up to the main political broadcast.

Kemelbek Oyshybayev, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC «Khabar Agency»:

– First and foremost, what clearly distinguished these debates from those held on other television channels was that the chairpersons of the parties took part in our main debate. Naturally, I think this is very important for our viewers. It is one thing to hear about a party's program and what the party promises from representatives of that party. It is another thing when the actual chairpersons of the parties, who make the decisions, personally present the various initiatives and projects they promise to implement if elected.

The order of appearances was determined in advance by a draw. Respublica was the first to speak, followed by Baytaq, Ak Zhol, Adilet, Auyl, OSKDP, and the People's Party of Kazakhstan.

The discussion focused on issues that directly affect citizens' everyday lives: household incomes, social protection, jobs, support for entrepreneurship, and economic development. The parties assessed existing problems differently and proposed their own solutions.

Experts note that the current election campaign has been noticeably more active, with the parties engaging in direct debate more frequently.

Arman Toktushakov, political scientist and expert at the Institute of World Economy and Politics:

– Overall, I think the current campaign is more vibrant. The debates themselves are also an indicator of this – the overall visual picture of the current election and the level of party engagement have increased. In addition, we are seeing direct discussions and mutual attacks between parties representing similar ideological spectrums: right-wing parties competing with one another and left-wing parties competing among themselves. I think all of this distinguishes the current campaign from the previous one. We saw similar processes during the previous parliamentary elections, but not as prominently or noticeably as we are seeing them in this election.

Questions from the parties to one another and criticism of opponents' programs added intensity to the debates. Voters themselves were also given an opportunity to address the politicians. Around 58,000 questions were submitted through the channel's dedicated Telegram bot.

Four rounds concluded with final addresses from the party leaders.

Now, the decision is in the hands of the voters. On August 23, Kazakhstanis will elect deputies to the country's new unicameral parliament – the Kurultai.

Authors: Nursaya Elbrusova, Sanzhar Birgebayev