Kazakhstan to elect pro-president parliament in nationwide polls

Kazakhstan is set to hold parliamentary elections on Sunday, marking a shift towards a more democratic system following constitutional changes. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aims to distance the country from the authoritarianism that prevailed post-Soviet collapse. However, critics argue that these reforms are designed to strengthen his grip on power.

Kazakhstan, a close ally of Russia with significant ties to China, boasts vast natural resources and a strategic position between Europe and Asia. Around 12.6 million out of 20 million eligible voters will participate in the election. In March, the nation adopted a new constitution, abolishing the upper house Senate and establishing a single-body parliament, or kurultai, to enhance its political influence.

President Tokayev, who assumed office in 2019, has championed a reform initiative called "Just Kazakhstan" following a deadly 2022 riot sparked by spiraling cost-of-living protests. The 73-year-old President insists he seeks to move beyond his authoritarian predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who governed for three decades after the Soviet Union's dissolution.

Nonetheless, only seven state-sanctioned parties, predominantly aligned with Tokayev, are permitted to field candidates. Genuine opposition parties have been barred from participating. The outcome is a foregone conclusion, with the pro-Tokayev party Adilet poised to secure the majority of the 145 seats. This party essentially serves as a rebranded version of the ruling party, Amanat, created to advance Tokayev's objectives.

The constitutional amendments also lifted term limits, allowing Tokayev to contest for re-election in 2029, though he has ruled out serving beyond that term.