Kazakhstan holds early parliamentary elections under new constitution

Kazakhstan is holding parliamentary elections for the newly established unicameral Kurultai following constitutional reforms, with early turnout reaching 17.96% by mid-morning.

Key points

• The constitutional changes adopted in March abolished the Senate and replaced it with the Kurultai parliament.
• President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's reform program and political system adjustments have been framed by authorities as democratizing measures, though critics argue they consolidate executive power.
• Seven state-approved parties aligned with President Tokayev are contesting the 145 available seats, with the pro-Tokayev party Adilet expected to win a major majority.

Why it matters

The snap elections mark a key transition in Kazakhstan's political architecture under President Tokayev's revised constitution, which impacts the legislative framework and future term limits in Central Asia's largest economy.