Kazakhstan to hold first elections for new unicameral Kurultai parliament

Kazakhstan is set to hold elections on August 23 for the Kurultai, a new 145-seat unicameral parliament. This election follows a constitutional reform approved by referendum, marking a transition from the previous bicameral system to a single-chamber legislature.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the upcoming vote as a “historic turning point” that will open a new chapter in the nation’s history. He emphasized that the process represents a new stage of political reform aimed at building a “Just Kazakhstan,” noting that the campaign has been competitive and has seen increased participation from youth, entrepreneurs, and various professional groups.

The election serves as the first practical test of the new proportional electoral system based on national party lists. Seven parties are competing, including the newly formed Ädilet party. Ädilet, led by former presidential administration head Aibek Dädebai, evolved from Amanat, the historically dominant party formerly known as Nur Otan. The outcome is expected to indicate the depth of Kazakhstan’s institutional transition and its ability to demonstrate political pluralism within Central Asia.