Managing Stakeholder Expectations in ensuring Democratic Elections: The Case of Kazakhstan and the European Union

Abstract

The focus of this thesis is on businesses’ involvement in the electoral process of Kazakhstan. The aim is to examine the role of the business sector in the electoral process and to identify the pros, cons, and tactics of its involvement in the elections, which will positively impact the democratization process of Kazakhstan and improve the management of stakeholders’ expectations regarding the electoral process. Therefore, this thesis attempts to answer questions on the impact of the involvement of the business sector on the electoral process, whether it should be involved in the electoral process, as well as how the involvement of the business sector in the electoral process could be improved. The thesis study was conducted using research methods such as content analysis, literature review, case study, the PEST method, and survey. The theoretical background of the study consisted of an analysis of the overall picture of elections in good governance, a deep analysis of pros, cons of businesses’ involvement in the electoral process, and it sheds light on the issues of business-state relations, tactics for businesses’ participation, and the impact of businesses’ involvement in the electoral process. Within the framework of the empirical analysis of the study, a survey was conducted among business representatives from Kazakhstan to examine the current situation of the election process in Kazakhstan and the involvement of business in this process. In conclusion, the author suggests that the business sector should support its involvement in the electoral process and agrees on its positive impact on business development as well as on the economic conditions of the country. At the end of the thesis, practical recommendations to further improvement businesses’ involvement are proposed.