Kazakh lawmakers urge Nazarbaev to set early presidential poll date
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 18 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Kazakh lawmakers urge Nazarbaev to set early presidential poll date, 18 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/550940cae.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 18, 2015
By RFE/RL's Kazakh Service
ASTANA – Kazakhstan's lower chamber of parliament has urged President Nursultan Nazarbaev to set a date for an early presidential election.
The Mazhilis, which is dominated by the ruling Nur-Otan party, voted 104-0 on February 18 to back a proposal for Nazarbaev to seek reelection this year.
The upper chamber is expected to also back the proposal later.
The presidential election had been scheduled for 2016.
But the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan, a constitutional body chaired by Nazarbaev. proposed on February 14 that the vote be held this year.
The assembly said an early election would be crucial to "ensure the continuity of the current policy" and to strengthen the economy.
It also said Nazarbaev needs another term to steer Kazakhstan through the ongoing economic crisis.
Nazarbaev, 74, has ruled the oil-rich country since 1989.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
