Cabinet will remain in office temporarily as Kazakhstan prepares a new government following its first election under unicameral system
ASTANA: Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dismissed the government on Friday following the Central Asian country’s first legislative election under its newly established unicameral parliamentary system.
The presidential press service published Tokayev’s decree after Sunday’s election for the new 145-member parliament, known as the Kurultai.
Under the decree, the outgoing Cabinet will continue performing its responsibilities until parliament approves a new government, ensuring continuity during the political transition.
The election marked another major stage in Kazakhstan’s institutional restructuring following the adoption of a new constitution earlier this year.
Adilet Secures Dominant Parliamentary Victory
Kazakhstan’s pro-government Adilet party won more than 71% of the vote in Sunday’s parliamentary election, securing a dominant position in the newly constituted legislature.
Adilet emerged earlier this year under the leadership of senior Tokayev aides. Moreover, the party absorbed Amanat, Kazakhstan’s previous ruling political organisation, shortly after its formation.
Four other parties also secured parliamentary representation. However, observers broadly view all four as supportive of Tokayev’s administration.
The constitutional changes replaced Kazakhstan’s previous bicameral legislature with a single 145-member Kurultai, significantly restructuring the country’s parliamentary system.
New Constitution Reshapes Political Landscape
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled last month that the new constitution allows Tokayev to seek another seven-year presidential term.
Consequently, the parliamentary election and upcoming formation of a new government come at an important stage for the country’s political leadership.
Tokayev, a former Soviet diplomat and senior United Nations official, has governed Kazakhstan since 2019.
During his presidency, he has sought to maintain balanced relations with major international powers.
Furthermore, Kazakhstan has preserved close economic and diplomatic ties with Russia and China while developing relations with Western countries.
As Central Asia’s largest economy prepares its next Cabinet, the new Kurultai will now play a central role in approving the government that will operate under Kazakhstan’s redesigned constitutional framework.
