Kazakhstan parliamentary vote cements president's power
Candidates from seven state-approved parties took part in the election, while opposition parties were banned. As Central Asia's largest nation, Kazakhstan maintains a delicate balance between Russia and the West.
In Kazakhstan's recent parliamentary election, the ruling party comfortably secured the majority, according to exit polls. The ruling Adilet party garnered between 70% and 72% of the vote. This outcome follows the approval of a new constitution in March, which abolished the Senate to create a unicameral Kurultai, a nod to the region's nomadic past.
The new body's proponents argue it would give parliament a more prominent role, while critics contend it would only solidify President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's authority. Tokayev, 73, succeeded authoritarian Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2019. The ruling party, along with four smaller pro-presidential parties, are expected to dominate the 145-seat parliament, while genuine opposition parties are banned.
The election occurred amidst high inflation and rising taxes, raising concerns about potential unrest similar to the January 2022 protests that left 238 people dead. The election also took place amid crackdowns on press freedom, with numerous journalists under house arrest and accusations against 10 independent journalists and bloggers.
Tokayev, a former Soviet official and UN diplomat, defended his reforms, emphasizing the need for transformation in a rapidly changing world. He assured the election would be a defining event in Kazakhstan's history.
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