Tokayev-loyal party wins big in Kazakhstan election

Kazakhstan's parliamentary elections saw a decisive victory for the Adilet party, closely aligned with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Early exit polls indicate Adilet has secured a substantial majority, capturing between 70 and 72 percent of the vote, according to Reuters.

The newly formed Adilet party, established earlier this year by individuals from Tokayev's inner circle, absorbed the long-standing ruling party, Amanat. The election results suggest that five out of the seven parties that ran will enter parliament, having surpassed the five percent threshold. Notably, all seven parties running in the election publicly support President Tokayev, and no opposition or independent candidates were permitted to run.

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it is too early to say whether he will run for another term.

These elections mark the first under Kazakhstan's reformed political system, which has transitioned to a unicameral parliament. While the stated aim of this change is to increase the parliament's influence on political decisions, critics contend it will have the opposite effect, further cementing President Tokayev's authority. The president has argued the reforms will expedite the passage of new legislation.

Furthermore, Kazakhstan's Supreme Court recently affirmed that the new constitution allows Tokayev to seek another seven-year term. The president has also indicated that a new vice president, a position not held in 30 years, will be appointed within the next seven to ten days. Observers view this as a potential move by the 73-year-old leader to select his successor.

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well-known person