Kazakhstan parliamentary vote to cement president's power

Kazakhstan's ruling party, Adilet, secured a significant victory in a recent parliamentary election, according to exit polls. The state-run television shared three exit polls, all indicating that the party could garner between 70% and 72% of the vote. This election marks a pivotal moment in the country's history, as it follows the March approval of a new constitution that abolished the Senate and established a single-chamber parliament, known as the Kurultai.

This move, proponents argue, will enhance the parliament's influence in decision-making processes, while detractors claim it will solidify President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's authority. Tokayev, a 73-year-old former Soviet official and diplomat, succeeded Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2019, who had ruled the country for three decades post-Soviet dissolution.

A pre-election constitutional reform, supported by 87% of voters, eliminated term limits, making Tokayev eligible for another seven-year term in 2029. The election took place amidst high inflation rates (around 10.2%) and increased taxes, raising concerns about potential unrest similar to that witnessed in January 2022. Additionally, the vote occurred amid crackdowns on press freedom, with multiple journalists under house arrest and criminal proceedings initiated against 10 independent journalists and bloggers.