ALMATY — On Sunday, Kazakh citizens began voting in a snap parliamentary election that many analysts say could further consolidate President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev’s authority. The election follows a constitutional amendment approved earlier this year that reduced the parliament from two chambers to a single chamber.

Constitutional changes set the stage

The new constitution, endorsed by the Supreme Court in July, clarifies that President Tokayev, who assumed office in 2019, is eligible to run for a fresh seven‑year term. The court’s ruling removed previous ambiguities about term limits, paving the way for Tokayev to potentially remain in power through 2033.

Party landscape and polling

Opinion polls show a strong lead for the newly formed pro‑Tokayev party Adilet, which was created only months ago. The former ruling party Amanat, which dominated Kazakh politics since the 1990s, has dissolved and merged its members into Adilet. Several other parties, all generally supportive of Tokayev, are also on the ballot.

President’s remarks

Speaking in Astana, Tokayev told reporters that it was too early to confirm whether he would run for another term. He emphasized the importance of a stable political environment for Kazakhstan’s continued development as a major energy and mineral exporter.

Background on recent unrest

Tokayev succeeded the nation’s first president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, and broke with his predecessor after the 2022 unrest, which Tokayev described as a coup attempt orchestrated by Nazarbayev allies. The events led to a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the political system.

The election results, expected later this week, will indicate whether the constitutional changes have indeed strengthened the president’s grip on power or if voters will signal a desire for broader political competition.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.