Kazakhstan politics

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.”

Former Majilis speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin seems to have lost power. 

Abzhan admits a role in the events that led to his arrest, but suggests the situation was a set-up by the Kazakh authorities. 

Not yet, despite the president’s repeated assertions otherwise.

The troubles of Zhanbolat Mamai make it clear that Kazakh authorities have little interest in genuine political competition.

On June 5, Kazakhs will vote on a package of reforms intended to transform the country from a super-presidential system to a “presidential system with a strong parliament."

The new law may pave the way for Kazakh authorities to influence the decisions of social media networks regarding content.