Decoding Trust: Balance Between Kazakhstan's Presidential Confidence and Public Concerns
B2G
01.04.2022
In the beginning of this year, Omniki.survey conducted research on the level of trust that the people of Kazakhstan have in their president. The findings indicated that while there is a considerable measure of trust in the presidency, there is a noticeable level of distrust toward the parliament and the government, highlighting a disconnection between the citizenry and other branches of government. In the following analysis, we will delve deeper into Omniki.survey’s insights to unpack the nuances of these findings.
We conducted a study in which respondents expressed their attitudes towards higher authorities. The survey was conducted from March 15 to April 1, 2023, and involved 1,200 people.
We conducted a study in which respondents expressed their attitudes towards higher authorities. The survey was conducted from March 15 to April 1, 2023, and involved 1,200 people.
Whom does the population of Kazakhstan trust the most?
The president of Kazakhstan enjoys special trust among the citizens: more than 71% of respondents have a positive attitude towards the head of state and his activities. There is also a percentage of people who do not trust the president, but it is not as significant. Only 16% report not trusting the President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
If we look at the gender split, it can be noted that the level of distrust in the head of state is higher among men at 20%, while among women it's almost 13%. It should also be mentioned that compared to the younger generation, the older generation views President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with more skepticism. For instance, 26% of people aged between 45 to 54 years indicate that they do not trust the head of state.
If we look at the gender split, it can be noted that the level of distrust in the head of state is higher among men at 20%, while among women it's almost 13%. It should also be mentioned that compared to the younger generation, the older generation views President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with more skepticism. For instance, 26% of people aged between 45 to 54 years indicate that they do not trust the head of state.
Level of trust to the President among the population
Socio-demographic Indicators
We also took into account the financial status of the respondents participating in the survey. People who rated their financial state as good (88%) and average (77%) have a favorable view of the country's president. However, the maximum distrust was shown by citizens who described their status as poor (38%).
Government and Parliament: How do citizens evaluate their work?
The level of trust between the main state bodies varies significantly. A more positive reaction from the citizens is directed toward the president. However, the attitude towards other government institutions is not as positive. At the time of the survey, people expressed slightly more trust in the government than in the parliament, but the difference is insignificant and is only 5%.
If we were to compile a rating of absolute trust from respondents, it would look as follows:
A large part of the citizens trusts the government of Kazakhstan, accounting for 52%. However, around 31% confidently state that they regard this institution with skepticism. This is particularly noticeable among the male population - 42% express distrust, while the female half - only 23%.
Regarding age, the older generation, as in the case with the president, is more distrustful of the government. The youth is slightly more loyal in their opinion about this state body. Thus, the most significant percentage of trust is recorded among people aged 35 to 44 years – 57%.
If we were to compile a rating of absolute trust from respondents, it would look as follows:
- President (71%),
- Government (52%),
- Parliament (47%).
A large part of the citizens trusts the government of Kazakhstan, accounting for 52%. However, around 31% confidently state that they regard this institution with skepticism. This is particularly noticeable among the male population - 42% express distrust, while the female half - only 23%.
Regarding age, the older generation, as in the case with the president, is more distrustful of the government. The youth is slightly more loyal in their opinion about this state body. Thus, the most significant percentage of trust is recorded among people aged 35 to 44 years – 57%.
Socio-demographic Indicators
There is also a distinct disapproval of the government among people who rated their financial situation as average, poor, or very poor. The highest trust was expressed by people with good (82%) and very good (81%) financial standing.
The study also took into account the education of the respondents. Among those surveyed, particular distrust towards the government was expressed among the group of respondents with education higher than primary (over 28%).
The education level of respondents plays a significant role in their perception of government institutions. According to the survey, the Parliament of Kazakhstan has the lowest rating among respondents, with only 47% unequivocally trusting this state body. Approximately 33% of respondents view the activities of this institution negatively. Other indicators such as gender, age, and financial status show similar trends to the aforementioned authorities. Please refer to the charts below for more detailed information.
The study also took into account the education of the respondents. Among those surveyed, particular distrust towards the government was expressed among the group of respondents with education higher than primary (over 28%).
The education level of respondents plays a significant role in their perception of government institutions. According to the survey, the Parliament of Kazakhstan has the lowest rating among respondents, with only 47% unequivocally trusting this state body. Approximately 33% of respondents view the activities of this institution negatively. Other indicators such as gender, age, and financial status show similar trends to the aforementioned authorities. Please refer to the charts below for more detailed information.
Socio-demographic Indicators
In the social-demographic section, respondents were asked about the most pressing problems in Kazakhstan at present. Residents highlighted several issues that concern them:
It can be concluded that the level of trust in the country's governmental bodies is directly dependent on how quickly and by what means these problems will be addressed.
- Housing issue – 37.4%;
- Healthcare – 33.2%;
- Education – 32.2%.
It can be concluded that the level of trust in the country's governmental bodies is directly dependent on how quickly and by what means these problems will be addressed.
Main problems selected by respondents
Conclusion
Based on the survey results, it can be definitively said that only the President of Kazakhstan has the absolute trust of the population. The citizens' attitude towards the government and parliament is relatively similar – people express distrust of these institutions. Additionally, it is particularly the male population and the older generation who express the most doubt towards all the aforementioned state bodies.
Furthermore, respondents highlighted the main issues that need attention in the country: these are the standard of living, housing issues, healthcare, and education. The level of trust in the government apparatus depends on how these issues are addressed.
Furthermore, respondents highlighted the main issues that need attention in the country: these are the standard of living, housing issues, healthcare, and education. The level of trust in the government apparatus depends on how these issues are addressed.
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