Kazakhstan elections to mark start of new reforms, says President Tokayev

Kazakhstan is set to hold its first parliamentary elections under a new unicameral system, the Kurultai, on August 23. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the upcoming vote as a pivotal moment, stating it will serve as the starting point for new reforms benefiting all citizens and opening a fresh chapter in the nation's history.

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Thanks to unity, harmony and solidarity, we have managed to achieve significant results in building a Just Kazakhstan. But there is still much work ahead.

Tokayev emphasized that the early announcement of the Kurultai election allowed parties ample preparation time, resulting in a campaign he characterized as substantive, open, competitive, and civilized. He believes this election will be remembered as particularly significant in the country's history.

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With the People’s Constitution now in force, these elections will become the starting point for new reforms for the benefit of all citizens and will open a new chapter in the history of modern Kazakhstan.

The transition to the Kurultai, a 145-seat legislative body, follows constitutional reforms that abolished the previous bicameral Parliament. Seven political parties are vying for representation, with the Adilet party presenting the largest slate of candidates at 186, followed by Auyl with 69, Respublica with 76, the People's Party of Kazakhstan with 72, Ak Zhol with 63, Baitak with 47, and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party with 33 candidates. The establishment of the Kurultai signifies a complete shift from the former parliamentary structure.

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As a result, the first Kurultai election campaign was substantive, open, competitive and civilized. This is the general view of our citizens. There is no doubt that these elections will be remembered as perhaps the most interesting in the history of our country.