Ashimabayev declines comment on possible vice-president appointment

August 23, 2026 at 08:04 AM2 min

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

Maulen Ashimabayev declined to comment on speculation that he could be appointed vice-president or chairman of the Kurultai, saying such personnel decisions are the exclusive prerogative of the president. He spoke after voting at polling station No. 129 in the National Academic Library in Astana during Kazakhstan's first elections to the new unicameral parliament.

Key Facts

Maulen Ashimabayev said he does not consider it appropriate to discuss assumptions about his possible appointment as chairman of the Kurultai or vice-president, especially since he is not participating in the Kurultai elections.
Ashimabayev emphasized that personnel decisions for the discussed positions are made exclusively by the head of state in accordance with the Constitution.
On August 23, Kazakhstan held its first elections of deputies to the new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, with 545 candidates from seven political parties competing for 145 deputy mandates.
In February, NewTimes.kz already asked Ashimabayev about a possible vice-president post, and he then also called such discussions premature and emphasized the president's prerogative.

Ashimabayev's Response

After voting at polling station No. 129 in the National Academic Library of the Republic of Kazakhstan, journalists asked Ashimabayev how he views forecasts about his possible appointment as chairman of the Kurultai or vice-president. Ashimabayev stated that he does not consider it correct to discuss such assumptions, especially since he is not participating in the Kurultai elections. He said, "There is probably no point in answering all these questions, let alone discussing them. Moreover, I am not participating in the elections, as you know." He stressed that decisions on personnel appointments to the discussed positions are within the powers of the president. Ashimabayev added, "As for personnel issues, they are decided exclusively by the head of state — regarding the positions we are talking about. This is the prerogative of the head of state, and the head of state, in accordance with our Constitution, will make the necessary personnel decisions. I consider it incorrect and wrong to give any comments, assessments, or commentary."

Context of Speculation

The topic of Ashimabayev's possible appointment to one of the new positions has been discussed before. In February, NewTimes.kz asked him about a possible vice-president post, and he then also emphasized that personnel decisions are the president's prerogative and called such discussions premature. Political scientist Daniyar Ashimabayev named Yerlan Karin and Maulen Ashimabayev among the most likely candidates for the post of vice-president of Kazakhstan. Maulen Ashimabayev headed the Senate until the termination of the powers of the previous bicameral Parliament. The last meeting of the Senate in history took place on June 29, and the new Constitution came into force on July 1.

Election Day

On August 23, Kazakhstan held its first elections of deputies to the new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai. A total of 545 candidates from seven political parties competed for 145 deputy mandates. NewTimes.kz provided a live text broadcast of the elections, covering voting progress, turnout, and the main events of the day.