Kazakhstan's future after the elections: Russia, EU or China
Kazakhstan, where power is being continuously consolidated in the president's hands, will have to continue its tough balancing act between the EU, Russia and China following the parliamentary elections this Sunday.
On August 23, Kazakhstan will elect its parliament, transitioning from a two-chamber to a single-chamber system. Citizens will choose 145 members through party lists. The ruling party, Adilet, is expected to secure a majority victory, with no genuine opposition candidates anticipated. Experts agree that the new parliament will likely serve the regime's interests, limiting political choice for voters.
Changes to the constitution allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to run for re-election in 2029 and replace the old parliament with the Kurultai. The new electoral system has narrowed the scope for genuine political choice. European Union and other external bodies are unlikely to react to the deteriorating political freedoms in Kazakhstan.
However, civil society organizations, the European Parliament, and the Council of Europe may take notice. Kazakhstan's strategic position balances relations with major powers like Russia, China, and the EU, driven by a need to maintain internal stability amid external pressures.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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