Tokayev specifies timing of elections if presidential powers are terminated early

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed enshrining in the Constitution a provision requiring that a new presidential election be held within two months if the head of state’s powers are terminated ahead of schedule. He made the statement today, January 20, during his address at the fifth session of the National Qurultoy held in Kyzylorda.

According to Tokayev, under the current version of the Constitution, if presidential powers are terminated early, state authority is transferred to the chairperson of the Senate, the upper house of parliament, for the remaining term.

“It is important to emphasize that the wording ‘for the remaining term’ is fundamental. In other words, the remaining term may be six months or even six years. Therefore, the Basic Law should clearly stipulate that in the event of early termination of the president’s powers, an early presidential election must be held within two months,” Tokayev said.

He also recalled that he had previously spoken about the need to introduce the post of vice president in Kazakhstan. According to him, the vice president would be appointed by the head of state in coordination with parliament. At the same time, it has not yet been specified whether the vice president would assume the duties of the president in the event of early termination of presidential powers. However, Tokayev noted that the introduction of such a position would bring greater clarity to the hierarchy of power.