Kazakhstan's pro-government Adilet Party has secured a decisive victory in the nation's parliamentary election, according to preliminary results announced Monday by the country's central electoral commission. The Adilet Party, led by a former head of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s presidential administration, garnered 71% of the vote in Sunday's election.
This outcome is anticipated to further solidify President Tokayev’s control over Central Asia's largest country. The election was the first for Kazakhstan's new single-chamber parliament, known as the Kurultai, which was established as part of a constitutional overhaul initiated by Tokayev in March. A referendum held that month saw 87% of voters approve the merger of the parliament's two previous chambers.
Following Adilet, the Auyl Party secured second place with 6.26% of the vote. Three other parties—the Nationwide Social Democratic Party, Respublica, and Aq Jol—surpassed the 5% threshold required to gain representation in the new parliament.
International election monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe noted a lack of distinct political opposition, stating that "all contesting parties supporting the incumbent president’s policies." Approximately 74% of Kazakhstan's 12.6 million eligible voters participated in the election.
The constitutional changes also grant the president the authority to appoint key officials, pending approval from lawmakers. Separately, Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled last month that the amendments effectively reset the presidential term clock, enabling Tokayev to seek another seven-year term after his current mandate concludes in 2029. This development mirrors similar constitutional adjustments in other former Soviet republics, including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where leaders have modified term limits.
Tokayev, 73, has led Kazakhstan since 2019. A former Soviet official and Kazakh diplomat, he has navigated a delicate balance between Russia and Western nations since sanctions were imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Tokayev has cited the need for swift decision-making in a dynamic global environment as justification for the constitutional reforms.
The election takes place during a period of economic strain for Kazakhstan, with inflation reaching 10.2% in February and recent tax increases contributing to public discontent. Analysts suggest that these economic pressures have heightened authorities' concerns about potential unrest, reminiscent of the January 2022 protests that escalated into violence. Tokayev appears to be consolidating power to prevent a recurrence of such events.
The vote also occurs amid an intensifying crackdown on press freedom. Media organizations have called on Tokayev to drop criminal charges against several journalists who are currently under house arrest and to reform legislation to safeguard freedom of speech. Authorities have initiated approximately a dozen criminal cases against independent journalists and popular bloggers.