Kazakhstan held a parliamentary election on Sunday, a vote widely anticipated to further consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s authority in the Central Asian nation.
The election introduces a new, single-chamber parliament known as the Kurultai. Analysts predict the pro-presidential Adilet party will secure an overwhelming majority, with other parties aligned with Tokayev also expected to gain seats.
Tokayev, who has led the country since 2019, initiated a constitutional reform in March. A referendum approved by 87% of voters merged the parliament's two chambers into one and granted the president enhanced powers, including the ability to appoint key officials pending parliamentary confirmation. The reforms also reestablished the office of vice president.
Tokayev, a former Soviet official and diplomat, has navigated a careful path between Russia and Western nations since sanctions were imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. He has stated that the reforms are necessary for swift decision-making in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Previously, Kazakhstan's Constitutional Court ruled that the constitutional amendments effectively reset the clock on Tokayev's prior terms, making him eligible to run for another seven-year presidential term.
The election occurs during a period of economic difficulty for Kazakhstan, with inflation reaching 10.2% in February and public discontent growing due to tax increases. This economic strain has reportedly made authorities cautious about potential unrest, reminiscent of the January 2022 protests over fuel prices that escalated into deadly violence.
Tokayev described the election as a "truly historic event," stating on Friday that it would be remembered as "perhaps the most interesting in our country’s history." He emphasized the need to "firmly and consistently implement our strategy to transform Kazakhstan into a truly developed state" amid geopolitical tensions and global challenges.
The election process has also been marked by an intensification of crackdowns on media freedom. Media organizations have called on Tokayev to drop charges against journalists under house arrest and to reform legislation to guarantee media independence. Approximately a dozen criminal cases have been opened against independent journalists and popular bloggers.
One such case involves Lukpan Akhmedyarov, an independent journalist who runs a YouTube channel. Akhmedyarov told The Associated Press that a criminal case was initiated against him in August. He faces up to seven years in prison on charges of "disseminating false information" after he published a list of Kazakh citizens fighting in Ukraine.
"In the run-up to these parliamentary elections, repression has intensified sharply, with attacks on independent media, cyberattacks, and criminal cases launched against independent journalists and popular bloggers," Akhmedyarov stated, adding that authorities appear intent on silencing any media outlets they do not control. He also noted the widespread presence of advertisements and posters for the Adilet party in major Kazakh cities, making the election outcome predictable.