Kazakhstan holds snap election expected to tighten president's control

Kazakhstan is heading to the polls on Sunday for a snap parliamentary election widely expected to solidify President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's grip on power. Recent constitutional amendments have paved the way for Tokayev, who succeeded Nursultan Nazarbayev, to potentially extend his rule for another seven years.

The election is seen as an opportunity for Tokayev to further distance himself from his predecessor's legacy. His administration has maintained pragmatic foreign policy ties with China, Russia, and the West. Kazakhstan, a significant oil producer, navigates the complexities of global energy markets, with its exports to Europe facing periodic disruptions via Russian pipelines, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine.

The ruling party, formerly Amanat and now rebranded as Adilet under Tokayev's top aides, is the clear frontrunner according to opinion polls. Analysts suggest that while the election may see the removal of figures associated with Nazarbayev, substantial political reform is unlikely. Smaller opposition parties, considered loyal to Tokayev, are also expected to gain parliamentary representation.

“

All the parliamentary candidates are known. Nor can one say that the parliament itself will be a transformative one.

Despite recent economic growth, many citizens, like fruit seller Atapsha, express weariness with persistent inflation and unmet expectations for improved living standards. "I am 73 years old. I've been waiting for things to get better for 73 years, but so far, nothing has really worked out," he told Reuters, though he still planned to vote with a sliver of hope.

The constitutional changes also streamline parliament and create a vice-presidency. These amendments, approved by referendum, were interpreted by the constitutional court as nullifying Tokayev's previous terms, thus enabling him to seek another seven-year mandate.

“

I am 73 years old. I've been waiting for things to get better for 73 years, but so far, nothing has really worked out. Still, I hope that this year things will finally improve.