Kazakhstan Pro-Government Adilet Party Wins Parliamentary Election with 71 Percent

Kazakhstan’s electoral commission announced Monday that the pro-government Adilet party won more than 71 percent of the vote in Sunday’s parliamentary election.

The commission specified Adilet secured 71.17% of the vote. This outcome is expected to consolidate the power of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Four other blocs also entered the new 145-member, single-chamber parliament, known as the Kurultai: the pro-business Respublika and Ak Zhol parties, the centre-left Nationwide Social Democratic Party, and the Auyl party, representing rural voters.

All these parties are considered broadly supportive of Tokayev’s administration. Approximately 12.6 million of the 20 million population were eligible to vote, with 74 percent casting ballots. Adilet was founded earlier this year, is led by Tokayev’s top aides, and absorbed the previous ruling party, Amanat. The election was prompted by a new constitution adopted earlier this year, which transformed parliament from two chambers into one.

Officials state this structural change aims to give parliament more influence in political decision-making, moving beyond its previous auxiliary role under a presidency-centric system. Critics, however, argue the new body will only further cement President Tokayev's power. Kazakhstan’s Supreme Court ruled last month that the new constitution permits Tokayev to run for a new seven-year term.

The election occurred amidst soaring inflation, around 10.2%, and rising taxes, raising concerns about potential unrest similar to January 2022, which resulted in 238 deaths. The vote also took place against a backdrop of press freedom crackdowns, including reporters under house arrest and criminal cases against 10 independent journalists and bloggers.