Kazakh President on course for election victory

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan is heading for a comprehensive victory after calling an early presidential election as part of his programme of constitutional and democratic reforms, writes Political Editor Nick Powell.

An exit poll published once voting ended put the Kazakh leader on 82.45%, with his five opponents receiving between 2% and 3.33%. Turnout was estimated at 69.43%.

The President stood as the candidate of the People’s Coalition and can expect his election for a single seven-year term under the new constitution to be confirmed by November 22 by the Central Election Commission. It is the latest endorsement of his path to a new Kazakhstan, following a referendum on reforms that move the country from a super-presidential system to a presidential-parliamentary one.

A former Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, President Tokayev has limited his own rule to one further term that he is now on course to secure. He left the ruling Amanat party earlier this year, saying the President should be above party politics. He has also introduced reforms making it easier to form political parties. A more powerful parliament will be elected next year.

In foreign policy, the President has kept his country on an independent path. Opposition to any forcible change in international borders has informed his approach to Russia in recent months, as he has also sought closer relations with China and the European Union. Kazakhstan’s crucial geopolitical position on the trade corridor between east and west saw President Xi of China choose the Kazakh capital, Astana, for his first foreign visit since the outbreak of the covid pandemic.

Equally, European leaders have been flying into Astana. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borell was there just a few days ago. “With President Tokayev and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tileuberdi we discussed how to take forward the positive momentum we see in our relations”, he said afterward, adding that Kazakhstan is a key partner for the EU, not least as a major source of oil imports (about 8% of total imports) but also gas, uranium, and other critical raw materials.

“In political terms, Kazakhstan has seen various reforms that go in the direction of political
pluralism”, the High Representative continued. “Today’s Presidential elections and next year’s
parliamentary elections will be important markers in this respect”, he said, looking forward to
furthering progress. International observers reported no serious violations of the election process and noted the overall high turnout, though it was significantly lower in Astana and in the largest city, Almaty. The foreign representatives pointed out that such variations were only to be expected in free and fair elections.

President Tokayev spoke to journalists after casting his own vote in Astana. “Today is a very
important, historic day”, he said. “We are voting for a bright future for our country. This year has not been easy but our people came together and overcame all the difficulties. We are now facing very ambitious goals and tasks. There is a lot of work to be done”.

Share this article: