Kazakhstan’s next presidential election will be held in 2029 in line with the Constitution, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said after voting in a referendum on a draft new Constitution amid debate over whether the reforms could signal a future transfer of power.

Speaking to journalists after casting his ballot, Tokayev was asked to comment on views expressed by some political analysts linking the constitutional reform to a possible future transition of power and forthcoming presidential elections. Much of the discussion has centred on the proposed introduction of the post of vice-president, a role that has prompted debate among observers of Kazakhstan’s evolving political system.

No instability 

The president acknowledged that the issue has generated considerable discussion, noting that similar positions exist in a number of other countries. At the same time, he rejected suggestions that the introduction of the post could indicate increased political rivalry or instability within Kazakhstan’s leadership.

“I am aware that there are various discussions surrounding the position of vice-president. Indeed, such a position exists in a number of foreign countries. Some experts believe that competition within the government may increase in Kazakhstan or that certain tendencies are emerging that could cause concern. However, there is no reason to fear that this will have a negative impact on society,” Tokayev said.

According to the president, the creation of the vice-presidential role is intended to strengthen the country’s system of governance and reinforce the functioning of state institutions. Tokayev said he expects the new office, together with the broader constitutional reforms, to contribute to institutional stability.

“The establishment of the position of vice-president will strengthen the institutions of state power, and this will become clear in the future. As president, I place great hope in this position, as well as in the reforms as a whole,” he said.

Commitment to the timeframe

Tokayev also stressed that the presidential election timetable will remain unchanged and that the next vote will take place strictly within the timeframe set out in the Constitution.

“The next presidential elections will be held, as required, within the timeframe established by the current Constitution, in 2029,” he said.

The president did not specify whether he intends to stand for another term. According to earlier reporting by Reuters, the proposed constitutional amendments effectively reset Tokayev’s current presidential term, potentially allowing him to seek office again. Both the current Constitution and the draft version limit the presidency to a single seven-year term.

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Tokayev assumed the presidency in 2019 following the resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev, who had led Kazakhstan for nearly three decades. In accordance with constitutional procedure at the time, the presidency passed to the Speaker of the Senate, the upper chamber of parliament.

The draft Constitution put to referendum also proposes broader institutional changes, including the abolition of the current bicameral parliament and the creation of a unicameral body known as the Kurultai. Under the proposed system, in the event of the president’s death or resignation, the vice-president would assume the duties of head of state.

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