Kazakhstan politics

Despite hundreds of independent self-nominated candidates, Kazakhstan’s new parliament will much resemble its former self.

As expected, following last summer’s constitutional referendum dropping references to “elbasy,” many of the First President’s other special privileges are ending.

The time has come to re-evaluate Kazakhstan’s social contract. Is President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev up to the challenge?

De-Nazarbayevification moves further onward with plans to scrap the law “On the First President” 

Tokayev threatens to fire the ministers that fail to reach substantial progress in remedying the heating crisis.

In “New Kazakhstan,” an typical old Kazakhstan-style election grants Tokayev power through 2029.

After eight months in jail, and mounting pressure, the charges against Mamai were recently reclassified and he's been released to house arrest.

It’s been a challenging year for Kazakhstan: Domestic unrest, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a constitutional referendum, and now a snap presidential election.

As usual, there will be multiple names on the ballot come November 20 but only one real choice.

Despite Xi’s warm official reception in Kazakhstan, the general population is disturbed by reports of oppression aimed at Kazakhs in China.

Kazakhstan is to introduce a single seven-year presidential term and revert the capital’s name to “Astana.”