Political process

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the only leader Kazakhstan had known since the country gained independence nearly 30 years ago, resigned March 19. During his televised announcement, the longtime autocrat noted his government’s shortcomings in addressing economic problems and expressed desire for a new generation of leadership.

The Nationwide Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan announced on Friday that it would not field a candidate for snap presidential elections slated for June 9 because it did not want to legitimize elections “without a choice.”

The Nationwide Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan announced on Friday that it would not field a candidate for snap presidential elections slated for June 9 because it did not want to legitimize elections “without a choice.”

The career diplomat who is a shoo-in to become only the second president of ex-Soviet Kazakhstan since its independence has always appeared to prize loyalty over political ambition.

The Kazakh government is preparing to back President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's campaign ahead of the June 9 snap election, three sources told Reuters.

 For 30 years, the dictatorial clan has been doing nothing but enriching itself.

Recent events in Kazakhstan show the regime’s evolving response to discontent from below.

The Romanian Presidency held its High Level Conference to mark the adoption of the new EU Strategy for Central Asia – Connectivity for sustainable development at the Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest today.

Nazarbayev employs ‘resign-while-retaining-power’ strategy – a model Putin may use one day