Kazakh election raises questions about leadership
Significance
The governing Nur Otan party won most seats and two tame allies were awarded a few. The importance of this election is that it offers pointers to how much power President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev wields. None of his promises of political liberalisation has been realised and it is unclear how serious he is about change.
Impacts
- Askar Mamin's reappointment as prime minister points to general continuity -- or stasis.
- Tokayev will defend Kazakh nationhood in the face of Russian politicians casting doubt on its territorial rights.
- Trends as regards civil liberties and freedom of expression are retrograde in both the real and virtual spheres.
- The OPEC+ bloc's special deal allowing Kazakh oil output to rise by 10,000 barrels per day in February-March offers some economic relief.
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