Kazakhstan’s newly formed pro-government party wins parliamentary election | Elections News
Adilet Party Secures Majority in Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Elections
Kazakhstan’s newly formed Adilet party secured over 71 percent of the vote in Sunday’s parliamentary elections, according to the Central Election Commission. The outcome is expected to strengthen the authority of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The commission announced the results on Monday, indicating that four additional political blocs have gained seats in the parliament, known as the Kurultai. These parties include the pro-business Respublika and Ak Zhol parties, the center-left Nationwide Social Democratic Party, and the Auyl party, which focuses on rural interests.
Voter turnout was reported at 74 percent of eligible voters, with approximately 12.6 million out of a population of 20 million participating in the election for the 145-member assembly.
Adilet, which was established earlier this year and is led by close aides of Tokayev, absorbed the previous ruling party, Amanat, shortly after its formation. All four parties that won seats in the recent election are considered to be supportive of Tokayev’s administration.
The elections were prompted by the adoption of a new constitution this year that restructured the legislative body from a bicameral system to a single chamber. Last month, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled that this constitutional change allows Tokayev to run for a new seven-year term.
Officials have stated that these structural reforms aim to enhance the parliament’s role in political decision-making, which had previously been limited under a system that centralized power in the presidency.
Tokayev, a former Soviet diplomat and high-ranking United Nations official, has led Kazakhstan since 2019 and has maintained diplomatic relationships with the West, Russia, and China. He has also initiated a reform program called “Just Kazakhstan,” in response to widespread protests in 2022 that resulted in significant unrest and casualties.
The 73-year-old president seeks to differentiate his governance from that of his authoritarian predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who ruled for nearly three decades. Tokayev initially rose to power as Nazarbayev’s chosen successor.
While voting in the capital, Astana, Tokayev informed reporters that it is premature to discuss his plans for re-election. He also indicated that he would announce his selection for the newly established vice presidential position in the coming days, describing the appointee as a “well-known” individual.
