Kazakhstan to conclude presidential election nomination period

Three candidates have announced their candidacy for the upcoming presidential election in Kazakhstan, which will be held on November 20. The nomination period ends on October 11.

The candidates—from the Auyl Party, National Social Democratic Party and Amanat Trade Unions Council—seek to replace incumbent President Kassym-Jomart Tokyaev. This fall’s elections are the first since widespread unrest in January and a subsequent intervention by Russian forces. Those protests were sparked by societal inequality, compounded by a spike in liquified petroleum gas, a common automobile fuel in the country.

Tokyaev succeeded longstanding autocratic ruler Nursultan Nazarbayaev in 2019. This year’s elections are widely viewed as Tokyaev’s attempt to shore up power in the wake of both January’s protests and Russia’s waning regional influence following the invasion of Ukraine.

The election comes at a pivotal time for Kazakhstan geopolitically, which will benefit Tokyaev and allow him to secure an unimpeded five-year term.  With Russia distracted in Ukraine, Tokyaev can focus on domestic concerns without needing to pay obeisance to Vladimir Putin. This will help secure more votes and consequently consolidate power while overcoming any threats to his position that possibly developed during January’s protests.