Tag
Kazakhstan politics
Kazakhstan Headed for Election Lacking Competition
By Catherine Putz
As usual, there will be multiple names on the ballot come November 20 but only one real choice.
Xinjiang Kazakh Plans Political Party to Counter China’s Xi
By Dake Kang
Despite Xi’s warm official reception in Kazakhstan, the general population is disturbed by reports of oppression aimed at Kazakhs in China.
Nur-Sultan No More and Kazakh Tinkering With Presidential Terms
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan is to introduce a single seven-year presidential term and revert the capital’s name to “Astana.”
The Fall From Grace of One of Kazakhstan’s Gray Cardinals
By Paolo Sorbello
Former Majilis speaker Nurlan Nigmatulin seems to have lost power.
Exclusive: From Prison, Kazakh Journalist Makhambet Abzhan Explains His Case
By Cheryl L. Reed
Abzhan admits a role in the events that led to his arrest, but suggests the situation was a set-up by the Kazakh authorities.
Is There a New Kazakhstan?
By Bruce Pannier
Not yet, despite the president’s repeated assertions otherwise.
Is There Room in ‘New Kazakhstan’ For New Political Parties?
By Catherine Putz
The troubles of Zhanbolat Mamai make it clear that Kazakh authorities have little interest in genuine political competition.
What’s in Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Referendum?
By Colleen Wood
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."
Kazakh President Signs Controversial Law Aiming to Control Social Media Companies
By Catherine Putz
The new law may pave the way for Kazakh authorities to influence the decisions of social media networks regarding content.
Nur Otan No More? Kazakhstan’s Ruling Party Rebrands as ‘Amanat’
By Catherine Putz
De-Nazarbayevification continues with the renaming of the ruling Nur Otan party to “Amanat.”
Veteran Opposition Figure Resurfaces in Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Could Bulat Abilov re-enter politics?
Mixed Feelings as Kazakhstan Looks Back on a Bloody January
By Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska
“They fight among themselves for power, and ordinary people suffer.”
Tokayev Urges Balancing of Nazarbayev’s Shortcomings and Merits
By Catherine Putz
“Let us pay tribute to the historical merits of the first president… and leave possible miscalculations as a warning to the future leaders of our country," Tokayev said.
Kazakhstan: Local Politics and the Chaos in Almaty
By Colleen Wood
Resolving discontent with Almaty’s local government will be an important step in Kazakhstan’s broader political reform efforts.
Unprecedented Protests Rock Kazakhstan as Government Clings to Familiar Script
By Catherine Putz
In a January 5 televised address, Kazakhstan's president followed a familiar script: blame the unrest on a conspiracy.
Kazakh Activists’ Phones Infected With Pegasus Spyware
By Catherine Putz
According to Amnesty International, the phones of four Kazakh activists were confirmed to have been infected with the Pegasus spyware. There are likely more.
Nazarbayev to Step Down From Nur Otan Party Leadership
By Catherine Putz
Kazakhstan's protracted political transition is moving steadily along.
Pressure Pushes Kazakh Tax Authorities to Walk Back Fines, Suspensions
By Catherine Putz
After issuing fines and suspensions for several NGOs, Kazakh authorities walked back the decisions under domestic and international pressure.
The Illusions of Post-Nazarbayev Kazakhstan
By Paolo Sorbello
Despite his resignation from the presidency in March 2019, Nursultan Nazarbayev’s shadow lies heavily across the “new” leadership. The January parliamentary elections confirmed the paradox.
The Taxman Cometh for Kazakh NGOs
By Catherine Putz
In January so far, four Kazakh NGOs have been fined and suspended by the state's tax authorities -- a convenient cover for political repression.
Dariga Nazarbayeva Headed Back to Parliament
By Catherine Putz
The first president’s daughter is on the list of 76 deputies Nur Otan aims to seat in the new parliament.
Nur Otan Tops Kazakh Parliamentary Election That ‘Lacked Genuine Competition’
By Catherine Putz
The new Kazakh parliament will, at least numerically, look very much like the previous iteration.
Why Kazakhstan’s Parliamentary Elections Matter
By Benjamin Godwin
While the result is not in doubt, the elections could mark the next stage in Kazakhstan’s ongoing transition of power.
Looking Ahead to January 10: Elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
By Colleen Wood
Why bother analyzing elections in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan if we think we know the results?