Kazakhstan elects new unicameral parliament: Opposition and independent candidates barred from participation

Kazakhstan has held its first-ever single-chamber parliament election under a new constitutional framework, marking a significant shift in the country’s political structure. The vote, which took place on October 23, 2026, saw the abolition of the previous two-chamber system that had existed for three decades. This change was part of broader reforms aimed at consolidating executive power and accelerating legislative processes. The newly elected body, known as the Kurultay, consists of 145 seats and is intended to serve as a more streamlined institution for lawmaking. The ruling authorities emphasized that these elections would reinforce President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s authority, enabling him to expedite the passage of key legislation. The electoral process excluded opposition parties and independent candidates from participating in the contest for parliamentary seats. According to official reports, seven registered political parties were allowed to run, all of which publicly endorsed President Tokayev. Among them is the newly formed party Adilet, established with the goal of uniting support around the president. Voters were given the option to cast their ballots for "against all," a provision designed to allow dissent while maintaining the dominance of state-backed candidates. Over 12.6 million eligible voters participated, with turnout exceeding 65% by late afternoon, meeting the legal threshold for the election to be considered valid. President Tokayev has long sought to strengthen his control over the legislative branch, and this election is viewed as a step toward achieving that objective. The introduction of a vice-presidential role within the Kurultay is expected to provide a mechanism for identifying potential successors, a move that aligns with Tokayev's strategy to ensure continuity in leadership. The position of vice-president was abolished in the 1996 constitution, but its reinstatement reflects the government's intent to expand the scope of presidential influence. The election process was closely monitored by observers from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). These monitors are expected to release their assessment of the voting conditions and procedures in the coming days. Despite the presence of international observers, local media and journalists have raised concerns about restrictions on press freedom and the ability to freely express views. Kazakhstan, a country bordering Russia, continues to face criticism for its limited space for independent journalism and political pluralism. The absence of opposition participation in the election underscores the tight control exercised by the ruling elite. All political entities operating within the legal framework are required to align themselves with the administration’s agenda, ensuring that the legislative process remains aligned with the interests of the current leadership. This approach has been consistent with the broader trend of centralizing power in the hands of the presidency, a pattern that has characterized Kazakhstan’s political evolution since the early 2000s. As results are expected to be announced on Monday, the outcome will likely reaffirm the dominance of the ruling coalition. The election represents another milestone in the consolidation of authority under President Tokayev, further entrenching the existing political order. While the formal process appears to have adhered to legal standards, the lack of genuine competition raises questions about the legitimacy of the outcomes and the future direction of Kazakhstan’s democratic institutions.