Kazakhstan vote lacked choice, OSCE says after Adilet win

The OSCE said Kazakhstan's Aug. 23 early parliamentary elections lacked political pluralism and choice after the ruling Adilet party won more than 70% of the vote.

Adilet's result gives it most seats in the 145-seat parliament. Four other parties also secured representation.

Only seven state-approved parties were allowed to field candidates, and AFP described all of them as broadly supportive of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's agenda. Several other opposition groups were banned.

Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said the vote was technically well prepared but took place in an environment lacking political pluralism. The OSCE said political choice was reduced because all contesting parties supported Tokayev's policies.

The OSCE also accused Adilet, which was formed in 2026, of having an undue advantage. It alleged that some of the party's campaign events coincided with free public events organised by the authorities. Kazakhstan and Adilet made no immediate public response to the allegations.

The election was the first under Kazakhstan's new constitution, which abolished the Senate and created a single-chamber legislature. Authorities have said the change will give parliament more weight in political decision-making.

Critics say the constitutional changes have strengthened Tokayev's power. The changes also reset term limits that would otherwise have applied to him.