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New Kazakhstan Single-Chamber Election Fills 145 Seats August 23

8/22/2026

Summary

Tokayev Holds Elections

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is holding parliamentary elections under a new single-chamber system on August 23, 2026.
The vote will fill 145 seats by party-list voting, eliminating independent candidates.
All seven parties, including the Adilet party, are on the ballot, though experts say only Adilet can win.
Former senator Zauresh Battalova argues that barring independents narrows genuine political choice.

Summary

Turkic States Monitors

The Organization of Turkic States mission, led by Deputy Secretary General Nuru Guliyev, began monitoring the Kurultai vote.
777 foreign observers from 42 countries and 13 international organisations have been accredited for the election.
Violating the election silence on August 22 incurs fines of 15 to 35 monthly calculation indices, up to 151,375 tenge.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly will deploy nearly 80 parliamentarians from about 30 countries to assess the electoral process.

History

Historical Context

In 1995 Kazakhstan adopted a new constitution that created a strong presidential system and a bicameral parliament, winning about 90% approval in a vote with 91% turnout. After a 2022 amendment reduced presidential powers, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched a fresh constitutional commission, and the 15 March 2026 referendum approved a largely rewritten charter—rewriting roughly 84% of the 1995 text and establishing a unicameral 145-seat parliament.

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Tokayev Holds Elections

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is holding parliamentary elections under a new single-chamber system on August 23, 2026.
The vote will fill 145 seats by party-list voting, eliminating independent candidates.
All seven parties, including the Adilet party, are on the ballot, though experts say only Adilet can win.
Former senator Zauresh Battalova argues that barring independents narrows genuine political choice.

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