Kazakhstan's Adilet Party Dominates Parliamentary Elections

Kazakhstan's recent parliamentary elections saw the pro-government Adilet party secure over 71% of the votes, reinforcing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's authority. The electoral commission reported on Monday that this newly established party, led by Tokayev’s close aides, absorbed the former ruling Amanat party shortly after its formation earlier this year.

In total, 74% of eligible voters participated, with 12.6 million out of 20 million citizens casting ballots for the 145-member Kurultai, Kazakhstan's single-chamber parliament. Other parties entering parliament include the pro-business Respublika, Ak Zhol, the centre-left Nationwide Social Democratic Party, and the rural-focused Auyl party, all perceived as supportive of Tokayev.

The election followed a constitutional change that streamlined the parliament's structure, allowing Tokayev to potentially seek a new seven-year term. Following 2022 protests that resulted in significant unrest, Tokayev has initiated a reform agenda titled “Just Kazakhstan,” aiming to distance his administration from the authoritarian legacy of his predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Source: www.aljazeera.com