Kazakhstan’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for August 23rd, mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, signaling a significant shift in leadership and strategic direction. The last elections, held in 2023, were a prelude to a broader transformation driven by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and asserting itself as a major force in Central Asia. The election process itself is meticulously designed to solidify Tokayev’s rule and reshape the legislative framework, a move reflecting a deliberate effort to redefine Kazakhstan’s position within the region.
Elections for the 145-seat Kurultai, the unicameral legislature, will occur under a new constitutional framework. The previous system, characterized by a bicameral structure with the Mazhilis (lower house) and Senate (upper house), underwent a pivotal change in July, culminating in a decree that effectively reshaped legislative authority. This shift, according to national media outlet, Astana Times, centers on the establishment of a single-chamber parliament, effectively concentrating legislative power and moving away from a dual-chamber system. The new system, as implemented, allows for the president to only serve a single seven-year term, resetting the timeline for his return to power.
To enter government, parties must receive at least 5% of the overall vote. Prior to August 23rd, the parliament was composed of the Mazhilis and the Senate, with the Mazhilis focusing on legislation and the Senate overseeing its implementation. The new system’s introduction is expected to significantly alter the traditional dynamics of legislative authority.
Under the new constitution, presidents will be limited to a single term, a change designed to facilitate a reset in the executive branch. However, when his current term as president is completed, Tokayev will be eligible to run for a third seven-year term, a crucial element in the constitutional shift.
Prior to the election, the Adilet party, led by Amanat, a former president, formally dissolved itself into Adilet, a new party focused on promoting entrepreneurship, economic growth, and enhanced public services. The Aq Jol Democratic Party, advocating for rural community support and the environment, is also participating, representing a diverse range of political perspectives.
The election has drawn significant international attention, with nearly 80 parliamentarians and staff from about 30 countries observing. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly announced last week that observers would be present, indicating a high level of political engagement.
Kazakh political analyst Rustam Burnashev stated that while the election offers Tokayev a chance to remove figures associated with his predecessor, Nazarbayev, from the political stage, major reform of the political system is unlikely. He emphasized that the upcoming elections will determine if the country’s new leaders can adhere to the new unicameral legislature and uphold its foreign policy. The election also comes at a time when Kazakhstan is attempting to showcase its democracy and its role as a key player in Central Asia.
Beyond the election, Kazakhstan has invested heavily in infrastructure and economic reforms, particularly in its oil sector, aiming to bolster its standing in the region. The country has also strengthened ties with both China and the European Union, a strategic move aimed at bolstering its economic prospects. Notably, Kazakhstan signed a $4.2 billion agreement with Wabtec, a US locomotive parts maker, to provide Kazakhstan with 300 kits for building locomotives for the national rail company, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.
In an April article published by the Belfer Center, Nargis Kassenova highlighted that Kazakhstan has begun positioning itself as a ‘middle power’ in Central Asia. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, Kazakhstan’s GDP increased by 6.5% to approximately US$335bn in 2025, utilizing the consumption method of calculations. This increase is driven by the country’s focus on economic growth and strategic alliances.
Tokayev has launched ‘New Kazakhstan’ reforms to solidify its political system, and the elections are intended to determine the future of the country’s leadership and its standing on the global stage. The reforms, including the establishment of a single-chamber parliament, represent a significant shift in Kazakhstan’s political trajectory, aiming to solidify its position within the region.
The political landscape is characterized by a complex interplay of domestic and international forces. While the election represents a significant step forward, challenges remain, including persistent tax rises and inflation, which impact the living standards of Kazakhstan’s citizens. The country faces a critical juncture, balancing economic growth with the need for political stability and democratic governance, as it navigates a period of significant transformation.
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Source: Al Jazeera
