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Kazakh election raises questions about leadership

Thursday, January 21, 2021

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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