Toqaev secured a decisive victory, and congratulatory messages from China and Russia arrived on time. The inaugural Kurultai election in Kazakhstan has concluded, with the ruling party led by Toqaev achieving a resounding win. This is not merely an electoral triumph but also marks the country's formal transition from a bicameral to a unicameral system, completing a substantive reshaping of its political landscape.
As soon as the results were announced, both China and Russia expressed their positions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry extended its customary congratulations, stating support for Kazakhstan’s chosen development path suited to its national conditions, without pre-judging outcomes. Meanwhile, Putin personally called Toqaev, emphasizing the high voter turnout and popular support—words carefully chosen, clearly indicating Moscow’s acceptance of the result.
Why did Toqaev insist on abolishing the bicameral system? Because the old structure bore heavy imprints of the former president. The Senate had long functioned as a "political retirement home" and a safety valve for entrenched elites, often obstructing reforms. Over the past four years, Toqaev has ruthlessly purged relatives of the former president; now, by eliminating presidential appointee quotas through elections, he has reclaimed legislative power from these old families. A unicameral system shortens the legislative chain and enhances efficiency. Meanwhile, the newly established vice-presidency and National Assembly are essentially decision-making structures centered around Toqaev. With the influence of old oligarchs removed, reform momentum has actually accelerated.
The term “Kurultai” originates from the Mongol-era “Khuriltai,” and Toqaev aims to use this symbol to link modern politics with indigenous identity, gradually distancing Kazakhstan from its label as a former Soviet republic.
China’s stance is clear: how the parliament is structured is Kazakhstan’s internal affair—China does not interfere. The ongoing energy cooperation and land transport corridors between China and Kazakhstan remain intact, and Toqaev’s strong governance aligns with China’s expectations for stability in Central Asia.
Russia’s position is more nuanced. Putin personally congratulated Toqaev and expressed positive sentiments, because the ruling party’s overwhelming victory ensures that Kazakhstan’s foreign policy will not undergo major shifts. However, four years ago, Russia intervened militarily under the guise of a senior partner to help quell unrest in Kazakhstan. Now, with Russia deeply embroiled in conflict itself, it finds itself needing favor from Kazakhstan—the balance of negotiation power has quietly shifted.
After his victory, Toqaev has consistently advanced cultural de-russification efforts. Putin can only pretend ignorance while privately acknowledging that the era of old dominance is gone. For Moscow, it must gradually overcome its outdated “suzerainty” mindset.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1874547730660380/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.