The president of Kazakhstan can consolidate power

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The governing party Amanat won 53.9 percent of the vote in the Central Asian country on Sunday. The Central Election Commission announced this on Monday evening in the capital Astana.

In parliament, the ruling party will have an even bigger lead over five other parties. For the first time, a third of the 98 deputies were appointed on the basis of a direct mandate – more than 70 percent went to Amanat. Participation among the twelve million eligible voters was around 54 percent.

Tokayev ordered the election in response to heavy protests a year ago. At the time, demonstrations against high prices and social injustice degenerated into power struggles. The president used violence against the demonstrators, also with the help of Russian troops. More than 200 people were killed.

Tokayev’s leadership style is considered authoritarian. Independent observers did not believe his promises of modernization in the run-up to the elections. They criticize the fact that newly registered parties are largely loyal to the power apparatus and that genuine opposition members are hardly admitted.

(SDA)

Source: Blick