{
  "id": 2704572,
  "title": "Kazakhstan to elect pro-president parliament in nationwide polls",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/kazakhstan-to-elect-pro-president-parliament-in-nationwide-polls",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T03:06:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/23/kazakhstan-to-elect-pro-president-parliament-in-nationwide-polls"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nThe 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.\n\nPresident 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.\n\nThe 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.",
  "summary": "The vote follows constitutional changes authorities say will democratise the country, while critics argue the moves cement the president's power.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kazakhstan to hold nationwide parliamentary elections on Sunday.",
    "President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev aims to distance nation from authoritarian rule.",
    "Pro-Tokayev party Adilet expected to win majority of 145 seats."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Kazakhstan to elect pro-president parliament in nationwide polls",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/kazakhstan-to-elect-pro-president-parliament-in-nationwide-polls-2713321",
        "published": "2026-08-23T03:06:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}