Overview
- Voters chose the new 145‑seat unicameral Kurultai in a snap election held on Sunday, August 23, with polling and counting conducted under the new constitution.
- The Central Election Commission’s preliminary tally gives Adilet about 71.17% of the vote, reports turnout near 74% and shows five parties clearing the 5% threshold for seats.
- Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled before the vote that the constitutional changes reset presidential terms, a decision that makes Tokayev eligible to run again for a seven‑year term.
- International observers split on the conduct of the poll: the OSCE said the contest lacked genuine political choice and that all contesting parties largely backed the president, while the CIS mission praised the organization and legal compliance.
- Analysts say the result will strengthen Tokayev’s control over lawmaking and appointments, raise questions about the exclusion of independent opposition and tighten pressure on journalists as authorities move to certify final results by the legal deadline.