Kazakhstan to elect pro-president parliament in nationwide polls

Kazakhstan is set to choose a new unicameral parliament on Sunday after changes to its constitution aimed at democratizing the Central Asian nation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who took office in 2019, seeks to distance the country from authoritarian rule following the collapse of the Soviet Union. However, critics argue the move consolidates the president's power.

The country, an ally of Russia and China, boasts vast natural resources and strategic ties with Europe and Asia. Around 12.6 million of Kazakhstan's 20 million eligible voters will participate in the election. In March, the nation adopted a new constitution abolishing the upper house Senate in favor of a one-body parliament called the kurultai, a nod to medieval councils in the region.

President Tokayev has championed a reform program called "Just Kazakhstan" since a deadly 2022 riot erupted over soaring living costs. The 73-year-old aims to distance himself from his authoritarian predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled for three decades post-Soviet collapse. Seven state-approved parties, all aligned with Tokayev, are permitted to field candidates, with genuine opposition groups banned.

The pro-Tokayev party Adilet is poised to secure the majority of the 145 seats. The constitutional changes also lifted term limits, allowing Tokayev to run again in 2029, though he has stated he has no intention of serving beyond that year.