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● LIVE Updated 43m ago · 13 sources tracked

Kazakhstan prepares to vote in a cosmetic election

The pro-government Adilet Oarty party won a landslide victory in elections for the Qurultay, a unicameral parliament. The party, established four months ago, secured 70 percent of the vote, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control over the state. While Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić congratulated Tokayev on the successful vote and public support for his reforms, international observers criticized the process for lacking political competition and media pressure. Voting took place domestically and at overseas polling stations in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

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What changed

The Adilet Oarty party has officially claimed a landslide victory with 70 percent of the vote.

Live updates

  1. Pro-government party wins landslide victory in Kazakhstan parliamentary elections

    The pro-government Adilet Oarty party won a landslide victory in elections for the Qurultay, a unicameral parliament. The party, established four months ago, secured 70 percent of the vote, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control over the state. While Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić congratulated Tokayev on the successful vote and public support for his reforms, international observers criticized the process for lacking political competition and media pressure. Voting took place domestically and at overseas polling stations in the United States, Canada, and Brazil.

    Why it matters

    These elections follow a new Constitution adopted in March intended to restructure state institutions. The transition to a unicameral system is framed by officials as a move toward a social state. Critics argue the restructuring is a tool for consolidating executive power.

    What is confirmed

    • The pro-government Adilet Oarty party won the parliamentary elections.
    • President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić discussed strengthening investment in energy, transport, logistics, agriculture, and digitalization.
    • Kazakh citizens voted at polling stations in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Ottawa, and Brasilia.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Voters appeared at polls wearing costumes including Spider-Man and Odysseus.

    What to watch next

    • Formal reports from international election monitoring bodies regarding vote count accuracy.
    Sources used for this update (5)
    1. jen.jiji.com — Kazakhstan and Serbia pledge to strengthen investment ties
    2. apnews.com — Kazakhstan’s pro-government party wins parliamentary election, boosting president’s grip on power
    3. www.rferl.org — Election Observers Say Kazakh President's Party Had 'Undue Advantage' As It Grabs 70 Percent Of Vote
    4. en.tengrinews.kz — Odysseus and everyone else: why Kazakhstanis have started going to the polls in costumes
    5. qazinform.com — Qurultay voting continues in US, Canada and Brazil
    confidence 80%

  2. Kazakhstan holds parliamentary elections for new unicameral Qurultay

    Kazakhstan voted Sunday in parliamentary elections expected to increase President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control over the country. Former Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev cast his ballot at the National Academic Library in Astana, describing the vote as a continuation of reforms following the adoption of a new Constitution in March. This election establishes the Qurultay, a unicameral parliament intended to restructure state institutions. While officials frame the process as a step toward a fair and social state, outside observers view the exercise as a means to consolidate executive power.

    Why it matters

    The transition to a unicameral system follows constitutional changes implemented in March 2026. This shift alters the structure of state institutions in Central Asia's largest nation. The outcome determines the composition of the new legislative body under Tokayev's administration.

    What is confirmed

    • Kazakhstan held parliamentary elections on Sunday.
    • The elections are expected to strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's grip on power.
    • Maulen Ashimbayev voted at polling station No. 129 in the National Academic Library in Astana.
    • Kazakhstan adopted a new Constitution in March.
    • The new parliament is a unicameral body called the Qurultay.

    What to watch next

    • Official results from the Qurultay election
    • Reports from international observers on election fairness
    • Legislative actions taken by the new unicameral parliament
    Sources used for this update (4)
    1. jen.jiji.com — Rain, thunderstorms and extreme heat forecast in Kazakhstan Aug 23
    2. jen.jiji.com — Participation in elections is opportunity to contribute to building a fair, democratic, and social Kazakhstan - Ashimbayev
    3. www.nbcnews.com — Kazakhstan votes in a parliamentary election expected to strengthen president’s grip on power
    4. apnews.com — Kazakhstan votes in a parliamentary election expected to strengthen president’s grip on power
    confidence 100%

  3. Kazakhstan prepares for parliamentary election

    Kazakhstan is set to hold a parliamentary election under its new constitution, with various international observers monitoring the process. The election is seen as a cosmetic exercise, expected to tighten President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control. The country's first Kurultai campaign has highlighted competing policy priorities.

    Why it matters

    The election is significant as it is the first parliamentary election under Kazakhstan's new constitution. The outcome is expected to impact the country's political landscape and President Tokayev's grip on power. International observers, including those from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are monitoring the process.

    What is confirmed

    • Kazakhstan will hold a parliamentary election under its new constitution.
    • The election is expected to tighten President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's control.
    • International observers, including those from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, are monitoring the process.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The election is seen as a cosmetic exercise with a predetermined outcome.

    What to watch next

    • The official election results and voter turnout
    • Reactions from international observers and organizations
    • The formation of the new parliament and its impact on President Tokayev's policies
    Sources used for this update (9)
    1. The Economist — Kazakhstan prepares to vote in a cosmetic election
    2. Reuters — Kazakhstan to hold snap election expected to tighten president's control
    3. The Astana Times — Kazakhstan’s First Kurultai Campaign Puts Competing Policy Priorities in Focus
    4. sectsco.org — SCO Observer Mission Continues its Work in Kazakhstan
    5. Qazinform — Election stations to open at Kazakh diplomatic missions in Turkiye
    6. Qazinform — Kazakhstan, Moldova discuss cooperation in electoral field
    7. ConstitutionNet — Kazakhstan to hold first parliamentary election under new constitution
    8. The Times Of Central Asia — Kazakhstan’s First Kurultai Election Draws Broad Observation
    9. jen.jiji.com — Chinese humanoid robot 'Lightning' sets new 100m sprint record
    confidence 85%