Elections at "Atameken": a crucial step for the growth of Kazakhstan's entrepreneurial community.

The Almaty Chamber of Entrepreneurs operates 10 sector councils, each representing the interests of entrepreneurs in its respective field:

Each sector council consists of at least 13 members. The primary objective of these councils is to ensure effective interaction with local executive bodies, interregional and interdepartmental coordination, consolidation of sector expertise, and protection of business rights. Members include active, initiative-driven entrepreneurs, many of whom are also representatives of unions, associations, or groups, as well as deputies and members of the city’s public council.

Starting in 2025, the Regional Council will receive two candidates from each sector council and one candidate from accredited associations. This arrangement is aimed at involving individuals who have a real influence on processes in their regions. It will make the system of sectoral and regional councils more representative and flexible, ensuring a quicker response to changing economic conditions and the needs of each region.

The Regional Council serves as an oversight body for the Chamber of Entrepreneurs. It is elected for a term of 4 years. Its powers include participating in the formation of the chambers' work plans, listening to reports from leaders, and developing proposals to address entrepreneurs' issues at the national level.

Applications for candidate registration are reviewed by the election commission of the Chamber of Entrepreneurs, which also conducts checks to ensure candidates meet established requirements. Importantly, if a member of a sector council belongs to multiple councils, they can only nominate themselves from one council and must have been a member of that council for at least one month.

A quorum of two-thirds of the total number of council members is required to conduct elections within the relevant sector council. This ensures active participation from entrepreneurs and enhances the legitimacy of the process. The voting procedure includes two types of voting: open and secret. Elections across the republic will take place from December 2024 to February 2025, with elections in Almaty scheduled for January 20-22.

Members of the sector councils will be able to vote both in person and remotely. In-person voting will occur at the regional chamber "Atameken," where ballot boxes will be set up. Remote voting will also be available through an electronic application, allowing for a wider reach of voters.

The upcoming elections for the regional councils of the Chamber of Entrepreneurs will mark an important stage in the development of Kazakhstan's entrepreneurial community. These elections will ensure effective representation of business interests at the regional level and strengthen the interaction between government and entrepreneurs. The transparency and openness of the process, along with the ability for candidates to campaign, will create conditions for more active participation of entrepreneurs in decision-making and improving the business environment in the country.