Pro-Tokayev Party Secures Landslide Victory in Kazakhstan Parliamentary Elections

The pro-presidential Adilet party won a landslide victory in Kazakhstan's elections for a new single-chamber parliament on Sunday. Exit polls reported by state television indicated that Adilet secured between 70 percent and 72 percent of the vote. The central election commission reported a voter turnout of 74.19 percent. The new unicameral body, referred to as the kurultai, replaces the previous bicameral system following a constitutional referendum in March. Seven state-approved parties contested the 145 seats, and exit polls suggest five of them cleared the 5 percent threshold to gain representation.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who took office in 2019, has initiated a series of reforms following deadly riots in 2022 that left 238 people dead. While officials state the new constitution democratizes the political system, critics argue the changes cement the president's power. The constitutional overhaul also reset term limits, making Tokayev eligible to run for another seven-year term in 2029. When asked by reporters if he would seek re-election, Tokayev stated he has the legal right to do so and may provide a more specific answer next year.

Center-right reporting emphasizes the legal framework of the election and the president's right to seek re-election. Center-left and center reporting focus more on the exclusion of genuine opposition parties and the context of press crackdowns and economic strain. The Adilet party, founded in May and merged with the former ruling Amanat party, is led by former aides to the president and backed by influential business leaders.