Kazakhstan held a snap parliamentary election on Sunday, with the vote widely expected to further strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s control over the country.
The election is the first for Kazakhstan’s new 145-member, single-chamber parliament, known as the Kurultai, following major constitutional changes earlier this year. The reforms abolished the upper house and expanded presidential powers.
The pro-presidential Adilet party is expected to win a large majority. Although several other parties are contesting the election, critics say opposition groups have largely been excluded, while the parties taking part are broadly supportive of Tokayev.
The constitutional changes have also opened the possibility for Tokayev to seek another seven-year presidential term in 2029, effectively resetting the limits on his time in office.
Critics and rights groups have raised concerns about pressure on independent journalists, restrictions on political opposition and the broader concentration of power in the presidency. International election observers are expected to publish their preliminary assessment after the vote.