Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called on citizens to participate in the upcoming Kurultai election during a national address on August 21, the last day of the official campaign period.
Tokayev described the election as a truly historic event and a starting point for reforms under the new constitution that took effect on July 1.
"With the enactment of the people's constitution, this election will mark the beginning of new reforms," he said, adding that it would open a new chapter in the history of modern Kazakhstan. The term 'people's constitution' is how Tokayev refers to the new constitution.
On August 23, all 145 seats in the Kurultai will be contested. The new constitution, which passed a national referendum on March 15, established a unicameral parliament by abolishing the Senate and the Mazhilis. According to the Central Election Commission, the approval rate for the new constitution was 87.15%, with a voter turnout of 73.12%.
Seven political parties have nominated a total of 545 candidates. The entire country serves as a single electoral district, and only parties that receive more than 5% of valid votes will gain seats. Independent candidates are not allowed. There are 12,605,788 registered voters.
Tokayev noted that he informed each party of the election schedule in advance to allow for adequate preparation. He praised the campaign as substantive, open, competitive, and mature, reflecting a common perception among the public.
Political parties have presented their platforms through voter meetings, media promotions, nationwide television debates, and social media discussions, providing voters with opportunities to compare their proposals.
The Adilet party, listed first on the ballot, has nominated 186 candidates, more than double that of any other party. Registered on June 1, this party absorbed the Amanat party following a decision at its party congress that same month. Amanat was the largest party in the Mazhilis, securing 53.9% of the vote in the 2023 general election.
In his address, Tokayev did not mention any specific parties or candidates but noted a shift in social agendas. He welcomed the emergence of new figures and ideas, particularly from youth, professional organizations, and entrepreneurs. He characterized this as a sign of political renewal and a result of his reforms aimed at enhancing political culture and broadening public participation in governance.
He stated, "The new legislative body should serve as a common platform for constructive views and aspirations," asserting that the Kurultai would accelerate the pace of national modernization. He also referenced unprecedented geopolitical tensions and growing global challenges, emphasizing that Kazakhstan must steadfastly pursue its strategy toward becoming a true developed nation, acknowledging that significant challenges remain before achieving this goal.
He added that both domestic and international observers would monitor the election process, with activities planned at polling stations on election day. The Central Election Commission has approved 781 foreign and international observers as of August 17, including 39 long-term and 208 short-term observers sent by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) through its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.
The campaign period ended at midnight on August 21, with August 22 designated as a day of reflection. The publication of opinion polls and predictive surveys has been prohibited since August 18. Tokayev emphasized that participating in the vote is the highest expression of the people's will, noting that millions around the world are still fighting for their right to vote.
He concluded his address by quoting a Kazakh proverb, "Keliship pishken ton kelte bolmas," which means that the decision made together is the wisest.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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