Kazakh Leader Seeks Legal Guidance on Term Conclusion, Suggesting Possible Snap Election – Reuters

Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev appears to be considering a potential snap election as he has requested an official legal interpretation regarding a constitutional clause that outlines the conclusion of a presidential term, according to a statement from the country’s Constitutional Council.

At 78 years old, Nazarbayev has led Kazakhstan for nearly three decades and has yet to name a clear successor. He was last re-elected in 2015, receiving an overwhelming 97.7 percent of the vote for a five-year term.

Analysts suggest there are indications he may aim for re-election in a surprise poll this year. The government has undertaken several populist measures, including increases in public-sector wages and mandates for utility companies to reduce and freeze tariffs.

While Fitch Solutions noted last month that it couldn’t confirm an impending early election, they indicated that it seems almost certain Nazarbayev would win re-election if one were to occur.

The Constitutional Council’s brief statement did not specify what clarification Nazarbayev was seeking.

Article 42 of Kazakhstan’s constitution, the interpretation of which has been requested, states that a presidential term concludes either when a newly elected president takes office or in the event of the incumbent’s premature departure, resignation, or death.