Kazakhstan Elects First Unicameral Parliament Under New Constitution

Approximately 12.6 million voters in Kazakhstan went to the polls on August 23, 2026, to elect the Kurultai, the country's first unicameral parliament. This transition follows a new constitution adopted in March that abolished the Senate to increase the legislature's decision-making power.

The elections are part of the Fair Kazakhstan reform programme launched by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev following unrest in 2022. Seven political parties participated in the vote, which was managed by the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan.

Nuru Guliyev, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, observed the process and described the elections as "democratic and transparent." He specifically highlighted the use of mobile commissions to reach remote workers, including coal miners, and the accessibility of polling stations for people with disabilities.