Kazakhstan Holds First Kurultai Election as Tokayev Tightens Grip on Power

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Kazakhstan held an early parliamentary election on Sunday, marking the country’s first vote for the newly established single-chamber parliament known as the Kurultai. The election is widely expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s control over the political system.

The pro-presidential Adilet party is widely predicted to secure an overwhelming majority, while several smaller parties supportive of Tokayev are also expected to gain seats in parliament.

The election follows major constitutional changes approved earlier this year. In March, about 87% of voters backed a referendum to replace Kazakhstan’s two-chamber parliament with a single legislative body and expand presidential authority over key appointments, subject to parliamentary approval. The reforms also restored the position of vice president.

Tokayev, 73, has led Kazakhstan since 2019 and has argued that the reforms are necessary to allow faster government decision-making amid increasing geopolitical and economic challenges. He has also sought to maintain Kazakhstan’s diplomatic balance between Russia and Western countries since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The political changes could also affect Tokayev’s future. Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court ruled last month that the constitutional amendments effectively reset the count of his previous presidential terms, potentially allowing him to seek another seven-year term.

The election comes amid economic pressures, with inflation reaching 10.2% in February and higher taxes contributing to public dissatisfaction. Authorities remain conscious of the unrest that erupted in January 2022, when fuel-price protests escalated into deadly violence.

Concerns have also been raised over media freedom. Independent journalists and media organisations have reported increasing legal pressure ahead of the election, with roughly 10 criminal cases opened against journalists and prominent bloggers.

The results of the first Kurultai election will be closely watched as Kazakhstan enters a new political era shaped by greater presidential authority, economic challenges and continuing questions over political competition and press freedom.