Kazakhstan's Adilet Wins 70%-72% in 145-Seat Parliament Vote, Cementing Tokayev's Power
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Aug 23
Kazakhstan's Adilet Wins 70%-72% in 145-Seat Parliament Vote, Cementing Tokayev's Power
3 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Aug 23
Summary
Exit polls put the ruling Adilet party at 70%-72% in Sunday's election for Kazakhstan's new 145-seat unicameral Kurultai, with four smaller pro-Tokayev parties also set to enter parliament.
The vote was the first under a March constitution that abolished the Senate; supporters say the new chamber will strengthen parliament, while critics say it tightens President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control.
Seven state-approved parties were allowed to run, but genuine opposition groups were barred, and the election unfolded amid cases against 10 independent journalists and bloggers.
Inflation near 10.2% and rising taxes have sharpened fears of renewed unrest after the January 2022 cost-of-living protests that left 238 protesters and police dead.
The result strengthens Tokayev as he balances ties with Russia, the West, China and the EU, while March's referendum also reset presidential term limits ahead of a possible 2029 run.
As independent candidates are banned today, is Kazakhstan’s highly praised political reform actually a masterclass in building a modern dictatorship?
With the old elite purged and power centralized, what hidden domestic tensions threaten to shatter Kazakhstan's carefully crafted illusion of stability?
With Europe desperate for uranium and oil, will Brussels completely ignore Kazakhstan's democratic backsliding as its president quietly secures absolute power?