Erlan Karin appointed vice president of Kazakhstan

Erlan Karin has become Kazakhstan’s first vice president under the country’s new constitutional framework. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the appointment decree on Aug. 31, and the document appeared on the presidential website.

Kurultai deputies met earlier that day to consider nominees for vice president and prime minister. They approved Tokayev’s choice of Karin, whom the president described as a well-known statesman with extensive public-service experience and a long contribution to the country’s development.

The vice presidency emerged from a constitution adopted in a referendum on March 15, 2026. Tokayev said in January that he would appoint the vice president and define the office’s powers. He also announced that the position of state counselor would be abolished. Karin held that post before his appointment.

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The vice president will play a special role, work closely with Kurultai deputies and exercise powers defined by the Constitution.

Under constitutional law, the president appoints the vice president with the consent of the Kurultai, which must approve the candidate by a majority of all deputies. The officeholder must be a Kazakh citizen by birth, at least 40 years old, fluent in the state language, resident in Kazakhstan for the previous 15 years and a university graduate.

When directed by the president, the vice president represents him in dealings with the Kurultai, government and other state bodies. The vice president cannot serve as a representative-body deputy, hold another paid position, conduct business or belong to a political party while in office.

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He is a well-known statesman who has worked in public service for many years.