Kazakhs vote in referendum on new constitution that could keep the president in power

Kazakhs head to the polls on Sunday to vote in a referendum on a new constitution that will strengthen President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s grip on power in Central Asia’s largest country.

The proposal merges the two houses of the Kazakh parliament into one and gives the president the right to appoint all government officials, including the restoration of the post of vice president.

This second constitutional amendment in four years was spearheaded by Tokayev. Tokayev explains the constitutional amendments as a response to the need to make quick decisions in a rapidly changing world. But analysts say they could pave the way for him to remain in power after his term ends.

The term of Tokayev, 72, a former Soviet official and Kazakh diplomat who previously served at the UN, is currently limited to a seven-year term through 2029. Analysts believe Tokayev could use the referendum to reset presidential term limits.

Temur Umarov, an analyst at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told the Associated Press: “If the transition of power does not go the way Tokayev wants… then he will be able to say that we have reset the presidential term limits with the adoption of the new Constitution.” “The new constitution may provide Tokayev with an opening to be elected for another term.”