Nursultan Nazarbayev

Despite two era-defining moments occurring in the five years since Nazarbayev’s resignation, continuity is the main feature of governance in Kazakhstan.

Kazakh President Tokayev says he “openly told Nursultan Abishuly Nazarbayev that the political arrogance of his close associates almost destroyed the country.” 

With the expected closure of the Office of the First President, de-Nazarbayevification marches on. 

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

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

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

Jusan Bank, linked to the country’s former president, will divest from Kcell. 

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

With 77 percent voting to approve constitutional changes that nix the "leader of the nation," Nazarbayev's star has truly faded in Kazakhstan.

In a recent speech, Kazakh President Tokayev laid out the government’s understanding of the January events and proposed a litany of reforms to achieve a “New Kazakhstan.”

Could Bulat Abilov re-enter politics?

“They fight among themselves for power, and ordinary people suffer.”

“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.

The statement from the First President came just after evidence of elite conflict began surfacing in earnest, with suggestions of a purge of Nazarbayev elites.

Protests over gas prices have quickly spiraled into nationwide unrest, resulting in the first-ever intervention by the CSTO in one of its member states.

As CSTO troops start their operations in Almaty, the president seems to be losing authority.

In a January 5 televised address, Kazakhstan's president followed a familiar script: blame the unrest on a conspiracy.

Kazakhstan's protracted political transition is moving steadily along.

OCCRP’s investigation reveals a payout of $30 million to an alleged unofficial wife of Kazakhstan’s First President.

Public domain research by Radio Azattyq showed the extent of Kairat Sharipbayev’s private interests.

A new head of Samruk-Kazyna could bring about changes in governance and personnel. 

The core purpose of Japarov’s visit was to make the personal connections that form the lifeblood of Central Asian interstate relations.

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 first president’s daughter is on the list of 76 deputies Nur Otan aims to seat in the new parliament.