Story perspectives

Tokayev to Name Kazakhstan’s First Vice President Soon

8/25/2026

Summary

Tokayev Names VP

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced Kazakhstan will name its first vice president within seven to ten days.
Polling stations equipped ramps and Braille templates for disabled voters.
Kazakhstan signed a $4.2 billion deal with the United States for locomotive parts, opening a new logistics centre.
Tokayev said the vice president will help launch the Qazaqstan Khalyq Kenesi Secretariat to strengthen the People’s Council.

Summary

Adilet Party Wins

The pro-government Adilet Party won roughly 71% of votes in the August 23 parliamentary election.
Turnout reached about 74% of the 12.6 million eligible voters, forming a 145-member unicameral Kurultai.
A March referendum saw 87% support merging chambers and expanding presidential powers, resetting President Tokayev’s term limits.
OSCE observers reported that independent candidates were barred and the election lacked genuine political competition.

History

Historical Context

In 1995, Kazakhstan held a constitutional referendum that entrenched President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s authority, approving a strong presidential system with 88% support. The vote recorded 12.5 million participants, representing 78% turnout, and the new charter granted the president power to dissolve Parliament. Today Tokayev’s appointment of a vice president, the $4.2 billion U.S. logistics deal, and the 71%-won Adilet Party echo Nazarbayev’s legacy of centralized rule. Observers warn that such continuity may limit political pluralism, prompting future reforms or international pressure to broaden democratic participation.

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Tokayev Names VP

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced Kazakhstan will name its first vice president within seven to ten days.
Polling stations equipped ramps and Braille templates for disabled voters.
Kazakhstan signed a $4.2 billion deal with the United States for locomotive parts, opening a new logistics centre.
Tokayev said the vice president will help launch the Qazaqstan Khalyq Kenesi Secretariat to strengthen the People’s Council.

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