What Local Self-Government Is and How It Differs from Local Administration

Two terms – two approaches

Local administration:

• Top-down hierarchy – akims are appointed or confirmed by the centre
• Implements policy from Astana at the local level
• Funded from the national budget
• Accountable to higher-level akims and the President

Local self-government:

• Bottom-up initiative – residents decide local issues themselves
• Forms include: residents' assemblies, public councils, elected akims
• Funded from the local budget
• Accountable to residents

A practical example: the road in your village is repaired not because Astana included it in a plan, but because residents and their elected akim decided it was a priority – that is self-government.

Current framework

Local akim elections also take place. On 5 November 2023, direct elections were first held in 42 pilot districts and 3 cities of regional significance. The selection procedure depends on the administrative level and the law. CEC.

Constitutional basis

Article 89 of the 1995 Constitution already recognized local self-government. Article 91 of the 2026 Constitution retains this guarantee. Organization and powers are defined by law; the Constitution itself does not set a new election calendar for all akims.

1995 Constitution · 2026 Constitution

Self-government is not separatism. It is the resolution of local issues by residents within a unified state – as practiced in democratic countries from Sweden to South Korea.