NewsWPLG Local 10August 23, 2026Miami-Dade
Kazakhstan holds parliamentary election under new single-chamber system
Kazakhstan is holding a parliamentary election to fill seats in the newly formed single-chamber Kurultai. This vote follows a constitutional overhaul that grants the president expanded authority to appoint key officials and resets term limits.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The election consolidates executive power under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and follows constitutional changes that allow him to potentially serve additional seven-year terms.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan transitioned from a two-chamber parliament to a single-chamber parliament called the Kurultai.
- A March referendum approved by 87% of voters granted the president authority to appoint key officials.
- Constitutional amendments reset the clock on President Tokayev's previous terms, allowing him to run for another seven-year term.
- Inflation in Kazakhstan reached 10.2% as of February.
- Authorities have opened approximately 10 criminal cases against independent journalists and bloggers.
- Journalist Lukpan Akhmedyarov faces up to seven years in prison for allegedly disseminating false information.
- The election is the first under the new constitutional framework.
- The pro-presidential Adilet party is expected to win an overwhelming majority.
Who's Mentioned
organizationAdilet party“Pro-presidential political party”personKassym-Jomart Tokayev“President of Kazakhstan”other10.2%“Inflation rate in February”personLukpan Akhmedyarov“Independent journalist facing criminal charges”other10“Number of criminal cases against journalists”organizationKurultai“New single-chamber parliament”other73“Age of President Tokayev”