Kazakhstan holds parliamentary election expected to cement president’s grip

Only state-approved parties loyal to President Tokayev permitted to take part amid a sweeping constitutional overhaul. Voters are heading to the polls in Kazakhstan’s snap parliamentary election, which critics say will strengthen the power of the president. Polling stations opened at 7am local time (02:00 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 8pm (15:00 GMT). More than 12 million of Kazakhstan’s 20 million people are eligible to vote. The election will usher in a new 145-member unicameral legislature that is expected to be dominated by supporters of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has led the Central Asian country since 2019.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Al Jazeera ↗