Kazakhstan to hold first Parliamentary elections on August 23 under new Constitution

Kazakhstan is holding a national election on August 23 to constitute the first Kurultai (Parliament) under the Constitution that entered into force on July 1, 2026. Voters will choose among seven registered party lists for all 145 seats in a single nationwide constituency.

The vote completes the transition from the former bicameral Parliament - the Mazhilis and Senate - to a unicameral national legislature.

The new Constitution of Kazakhstan was approved in the 15 March referendum, with 87.15% of participating voters in favour and turnout of 73.12%. It took effect on 1 July; the former Parliament’s mandate ended and the election was called within the constitutionally required two-month transition period.


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The Kurultai replaces both the Mazhilis and Senate as Kazakhstan’s sole national legislative body. All 145 seats are elected; there are no appointed seats.

The Kurultai legislates, approves the national budget, exercises parliamentary oversight and may consider confidence in the Government. It consents to presidential nominees for Vice President, Prime Minister and specified senior posts.

The President must convene the first session within 30 days after publication of the results. The Government relinquishes its powers before the newly elected Kurultai.

Seven parties are registered for elections. Parties receiving at least 5% share the mandates proportionally. If only one party crosses the threshold, the party with the next-highest vote total is also included. The registered lists contain 545 candidates: 172 women and 373 men. The average age of the candidate is 45.4 years.