EVOLUTION OF PARTY SYSTEMS IN THE CONTEXT OF POLITICAL MODERNIZATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF KAZAKHSTAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article analyzes the evolution of the party systems of the Central Asian countries in the context of the processes of political modernization and institutional transformations. Special attention is being paid to Kazakhstan, where significant changes have taken place in the party and political structure and electoral mechanisms since the constitutional reform of 2022. Based on official data from the Central Election Commissions and parliaments of the five states, a comparison was made of the level of political competition, the dynamics of party registration, the composition of the highest representative bodies and the participation of citizens in elections. The analysis shows the existence of different models of party development: from relative pluralism in Kyrgyzstan to the tightly controlled systems of Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan occupy intermediate positions, demonstrating a combination of elements of liberalization while maintaining the dominance of the ruling political forces. The study reveals a decrease in electoral activity, institutional barriers for parties and limited real political competition in most countries of the region, and also identifies possible directions for the transformation of party systems in the context of ongoing modernization.