Kazakhstan court resets presidential term, Tokayev eligible to run again
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Kazakhstan's Constitutional Court ruled on July 7 that senior officials' terms reset with the new Constitution, allowing President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to seek re-election. The decision stems from a request by Tokayev's office regarding eligibility under the 2026 Constitution. Tokayev's current term expires in 2029, but he could now run for another term.
The Ruling
Kazakhstan's Constitutional Court ruled on July 7 that the entry into force of the 2026 Constitution resets the term limits for senior officials, including President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The court stated that officials holding positions under the 1995 Constitution can now be elected or appointed under the new charter. The ruling applies to the president, Constitutional Court judges, the Supreme Court chairman, and the Prosecutor General, who are limited to one term under the new Constitution.
Tokayev's Path
Tokayev first became president in March 2019 after Nursultan Nazarbayev's resignation, serving as interim president. He was elected in June 2019 and later won a snap election in 2022, which he called his 'first single term' after a constitutional referendum limited presidents to one term. His current term expires in 2029, but the court's decision allows him to run again, effectively resetting the count.
What's Next
The ruling opens the possibility for Tokayev to seek re-election after 2029, though no official announcement has been made. It remains unclear whether the opposition will challenge the decision or if further constitutional amendments will follow.
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Kazakhstan court resets presidential term, Tokayev eligible to run again
