Fatherland (Otan) is the largest political party in Kazakhstan, led by Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov with over 700,000 members.[1]
Otan was originally established in 1999 after the merger of several previously independent pro-presidential parties, including the People's Union of Kazakhstan Unity, announcing a program largely supportive of the government.[citation needed]
At the last legislative elections, 19 September and 3 October 2004, the party won 60.6% of the popular vote and 42 out of 77 seats. Otan merged with Dariga Nazarbayeva's Asar on 25 September, 2006[1], increasing the party's seats to 46.[citation needed]
After the enlarged party was formed, President Nursultan Nazarbayev remarked "Tell your Asar members that... you are returning to your father".[2] Under the new agreement Nazarbayeva will act as one of three deputies beneath her father. The other two deputies are currently Bakhtyjan Jumagulov and Alexander Pavlov. Nazarbayeva said on 19 June, 2006 that all pro-Presidential parties should combine to create a grouping "with which no other party will be able to compete in the next 50 years".[3]
The move signals the first time in Kazakhstan's history that a ruling party, supportive of President Nazarbayev has been formed. Some have speculated that this may provide a useful tool in a future Presidential succession, and allow Otan to shape itself in the mould of Singapore's PAP and Japan's Liberal Democratic Party
References
- ^ a b Kazakh pro-presidential parties complete merger RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty
- ^ Parties of Kazakh Leader, Daughter Merge Townhall
- ^ Analysis: Kazakh premier takes over daughter's party Middle East Times
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