Kazakhstan is holding parliamentary elections under a new constitution, with voting beginning at 7 a.m. local time and scheduled to continue until 8 p.m. The new system will replace the former bicameral parliament with a 145-member unicameral legislature. All seven registered political parties are participating in the election.

Analysts say the ruling Adilet party, led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is almost certain to win. They describe the vote as an effort to further consolidate Tokayev’s power and reduce the remaining political influence of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev. Concerns persist over the future of democracy because independent candidates cannot contest the election and genuine opposition parties are effectively absent.

The source says the European Union is unlikely to react harshly to Kazakhstan’s deteriorating political situation. Central Asia has gained importance to Europe as an alternative trade route and energy source following the Ukraine war, and Kazakhstan was the EU’s second-largest oil supplier in 2025. Analysts expect Kazakhstan to balance ties with the EU, Russia and China while expanding relations with Arab and East Asian countries.