Tokayev names Yerlan Karin vice president, reappoints Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister

August 31, 2026 at 09:15 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented a new lineup of key political figures at a Kurultai session on August 31. Deputies of the newly elected unicameral parliament approved all proposed candidates, including Yerlan Karin as vice president and Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister. The appointments mark the first stage of a broader state apparatus reset, with a People's Council to be formed in the second half of September.

Key Facts

Yerlan Karin was unanimously approved as vice president of Kazakhstan on August 31.
Olzhas Bektenov was reappointed as prime minister by a majority vote of the parliament.
The vice president is strictly prohibited from engaging in business and joining political parties.
A People's Council 'Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi' with the right of legislative initiative will be created in the second half of September.
President Tokayev will deliver his annual address to the nation only after the full institutional assembly is completed.

Vice Presidential Appointment

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed Yerlan Karin for the post of vice president at the Kurultai session on August 31. Deputies of the newly elected unicameral parliament unanimously approved Karin's candidacy. The vice presidential institution returns to Kazakhstan's political hierarchy after a thirty-year absence. Tokayev described Karin as a well-known figure with broad erudition, rich experience, and a true patriot. The vice president is strictly prohibited from engaging in business and joining political parties.

Prime Minister Reappointment

Tokayev proposed reappointing Olzhas Bektenov as head of the government. The parliament approved Bektenov's candidacy by a majority vote. Bektenov will continue strict control over major infrastructure and communal projects in the country. Tokayev called Bektenov a statesman, a competent specialist, and a true professional. The president noted that Kazakhstan has effectively become one large construction site with various infrastructure projects underway.

State Apparatus Reset

The adopted personnel decisions are only the first stage of a global reset of the state apparatus. Detailed formation of the full composition of ministries will begin in the coming days. In the second half of September, a unique constitutional body, the People's Council 'Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi', will be created with the right of legislative initiative. President Tokayev will deliver his annual address to the nation only after the completion of the entire institutional assembly. The political system of the renewed republic has started operating at full capacity.