BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 12. Kazakh President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree terminating the powers of
maslikhats (local representative bodies) at all levels ahead of
schedule, the presidential press service reported.
The decree was signed following consultations with Prime
Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Kurultai Speaker Aibek Dadebay
today.
Under the decree, the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan
is instructed to take the necessary measures to organize and
conduct early elections to maslikhats at all levels.
The government and the akims (regional governors and city
mayors) of Astana, the regions, Almaty and Shymkent are tasked with
providing organizational, logistical and financial support for the
early elections.
The decree takes effect on the date of its publication, October
12.
Earlier today, during talks with Bektenov and Dadebay, Tokayev
emphasized the importance of ensuring the effective functioning of
maslikhats to protect citizens' legitimate interests, approve local
budgets and oversee regional development.
The president expressed confidence that renewing the membership
of local representative bodies would significantly strengthen their
work.
On September 24, 2026, Tokayev announced plans to hold early
elections to maslikhats at all levels while speaking at the first
session of the Kazakhstan People's Council (Qazaqstan Khalyq
Kenesi).
On August 23, 2026, Kazakhstan held elections to the first
convocation of the Kurultai, the country's new unicameral
parliament, established under the Constitution that entered into
force on July 1, 2026. On August 28, the government relinquished
its powers before the newly elected Kurultai.
