۱٫ Introduction

۲٫ Theoretical framework

۳٫ Political representation of ethnic groups: basic principles

۴٫ Assembly of people of Kazakhstan and ethnic representation

۵٫ Conclusion

References

Contemporary principles of political representation of ethnic groups The article investigates some methods of political representation of ethnic groups, applied in different countries. The topicality of the research article is determined by 1) the growing influence of ethnicity and ethnic identity that differentiate people all over the world; 2) high potential for ethnic conflict in any heterogeneous society; 3) nationalization of many post-Soviet states and the exclusion of non-titular ethnic groups from the political life of these countries. The article aims to investigate basic principle, upon which more effective political representation of various ethnic groups is based. Among these principles factors are types of an electoral system, methods of positive discrimination and special ethnic institutions. The article states that principles appropriate for one country are improper for another, which is why in each case a specificity of the state, mentality of its people, history, and other factors must be taken into account. Nevertheless, the study of experience and mechanisms of representation in various countries is necessary for the assessment of the national policy of any state, where Kazakhstan is not an exception. 2015 is proclaimed as the year of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan, which lead to the analysis of its results for a time of two decades in interethnic sphere including its constitutional right for political representation of ethnic groups.

Introduction

The world in the 21st century has undergone significant changes. Countries all over the world proclaimed their commitment to democratic principles, among which are inalienable human rights, political and legal equality of all citizens, the rule of law, etc. Important role in the construction of democracy belongs to political representation, as to a method of forming of public authorities. Citizens delegate their rights and authority to representatives, which in turn exercise powers on their behalf. By virtue of political representation different groups can participate in the political life of the country, including various ethnic groups. The representation of the latter is of big importance, as most of modern democracies are ethnically heterogeneous. Even if the country is perceived as monoethnic, there are other ethnic groups living there, which, in turn, raise the question of their social, cultural and political rights. Thus, for instance, though more than 90% of the population of Poland is of Polish nationality, political representation of the rest ethnic groups is of big importance there either. As Lord Acton once noticed “the most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities” (Acton, 2007, p.4). Political representation of women in government has been widely discussed by many authors, while the situation with ethnic representation needs further investigation. In most cases, cultural and social rights of ethnic groups are well protected, while their participation in political life of a country is not sufficient, as a result some ethnic groups are overrepresented in the power while others are underrepresented.