Contemporary Principles of Political Representation of Ethnic Groups

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.