Public Perceptions of the Role of Parliaments in Modern Democracies: Accountability and Trust an Parliament in Kazakhstan

Arnat Ultanbayev, Mukhtar Tolegen, Indira Smailova, Aizhan Kozhakhmetova, Arai Abilmazhina, Askar Sharapatov

Access to Justice in Eastern Europe, 2025

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DOI 10.33327/ajee-18-8.3-a000102
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Background: In democratic societies governed by the rule of law, parliament plays a crucial role by passing laws, holding the government accountable, expressing the will of the people, and cooperating with local communities. However, the role of the legislative branch may vary significantly depending on the political system of individual countries. Kazakhstan serves as a case study of how the presidency and executive branch control the country's political life, and the role of parliament is not yet fully defined, undergoing a process of transformation. Therefore, it is crucial to understand people's perceptions of the role of parliament in the context of reforms aimed at deepening the democratisation of society. Methods: This study employs a quantitative research approach to examine public attitudes towards Parliament, focusing on accountability and public trust. A survey conducted among 598 respondents resulted in an accurate representation of public opinion. The study aims to assess trust in governmental entities, including Parliament; the perception of the authorities' responsibility for Kazakhstan's socio-economic situation; and satisfaction with the current Parliament's performance and the laws it has passed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results and conclusion: The findings indicate that public trust in the legislative body in Kazakhstan is significantly lower than in the executive branch. According to the findings, Parliament is perceived as having limited autonomy and influence in socio-economic governance. Most respondents believe that the President and the government shape important national decisions. The study further revealed that most respondents believe that parliamentarians tend to represent the interests of the government or their political parties rather than those of the voters. The findings also highlighted a substantial gap between lawmakers and the public, with many respondents not even knowing who their parliamentary representatives are. These findings underscore the urgent need for reforms that improve parliamentary oversight, legislative independence, and public communication. The study is especially important in light of the government's broader commitment to the "Listening State" initiative, which aims to increase public involvement in governance and decision-making.