A snap presidential election in Kazakhstan that foreign observers criticized as lacking “competitiveness” and emphasized the need for changes in the Central Asian country was comfortably won by incumbent Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as predicted.
Tokayev received 81.3% of the ballots cast, according to preliminary data, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reports. As a consequence, he will be able to serve out the new term for seven years.
Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) reported a 69.43% overall voter turnout, according to bne IntelliNews.
Tokayev, a seasoned diplomat is likewise pursuing a more independent foreign policy and refusing to support Russia’s actions against Ukraine in any way.
The victory solidifies his position as a strong, independent leader who no longer needs the support of his long-serving predecessor, Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Tokayev, who had previously been viewed as nothing more than a go-between while Nazarbayev and his family continued to govern invisibly, showed a cunning side during the upheaval in January, instructing police to “shoot to kill” protesters. Since then, he has deposed the Nazarbayev family’s ruling elite.
The phrase “new and just Kazakhstan” has often been used by Tokayev. It would be interesting to see if this translates to his giving the need for genuine reform and the eradication of corruption more than just lip service, bne IntelliNews reported.
