Tokayev addresses Kazakhstan ahead of first Kurultai elections

AI digestMimile.ai EditorialAugust 21, 2026 at 07:05 PM

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Tokayev addresses Kazakhstan ahead of first Kurultai elections

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed Kazakhstan on August 21 ahead of the first elections to the new unicameral Kurultai, set for August 23. He called the vote a historic event and urged citizens, especially youth, to participate. The address aired on national television at 19:00.

Key Facts

The first elections to the unicameral Kurultay are scheduled for August 23.
The address was broadcast on national television channels at 19:00 on August 21.
Seven parties are competing for 145 seats in the new Kurultay.
The party 'Adilet' nominated the most candidates, 186, followed by Respublica with 76 and the People's Party of Kazakhstan with 72.
The new Constitution came into force on July 1, replacing the bicameral Parliament with a unicameral Kurultay.

Election Context

The Kurultay elections on August 23 are the first parliamentary vote since the constitutional reform abolished the Senate and Majilis. The new unicameral Kurultay will consist of 145 deputies. Seven parties are contesting the seats, with 'Adilet' fielding 186 candidates, the largest number. Respublica nominated 76 candidates, the People's Party of Kazakhstan 72, and Auyl 69. The new Constitution took effect on July 1, establishing the unicameral system.

Presidential Address

Tokayev described the upcoming vote as a 'truly historic event' and the first elections to the new unicameral Kurultay. He said the elections were announced in advance to allow all parties to prepare properly. The president assessed the first Kurultay election campaign as substantive, open, competitive, and civilized. He noted that new faces and interesting ideas emerged during the campaign, signaling political renewal. Tokayev highlighted the active participation of young people, professional communities, and entrepreneurs in public discussions.

Election Monitoring

Numerous domestic and international observers monitored the election campaign and will work at polling stations on voting day. The General Prosecutor's Office reported eight violations of electoral legislation and reminded citizens of restrictions on campaigning and online publications.

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Tokayev addresses Kazakhstan ahead of first Kurultai elections

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Tokayev addresses Kazakhstan ahead of first Kurultai elections

Key Facts

Election Context

Presidential Address

Election Monitoring

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