Olzhas Bektenov has retained the position of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, while Yerlan Karin has been appointed Vice-President of the country. The decisions were made following a vote by Kurultai deputies on the candidates proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
WHOM THE KURULTAI APPROVED
According to the provided context, 137 deputies voted for the candidacy of Olzhas Bektenov, with a further 7 abstaining. No deputy voted against. A total of 144 deputies took part in the vote.
The candidacy of Yerlan Karin for the post of Vice-President was supported by 141 deputies, with 4 abstaining. Following the vote, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree on his appointment.
WHAT BEKTENOV SAID
After his reappointment, Bektenov addressed the Kurultai before the President and deputies and thanked them for their trust. He stated that he would continue work on the Head of State's instructions, aimed at developing the economy and carrying out reforms.
The Prime Minister also noted that in 2026, artificial intelligence has become a priority area, with digitalisation continuing across all sectors of the economy. The provided materials also mention his intention to ensure economic growth of at least 5% by the end of the year, reduce inflation, and continue the digitalisation of industries.
WHAT POWERS KARIN HAS RECEIVED
According to Article 49 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Vice-President, on the instructions of the President, represents him in dealings with the Kurultai, the Government and other state bodies, and also exercises other powers determined by the Head of State.
Furthermore, in the event of the early termination of the President's powers, the duties of the head of state pass to the Vice-President.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT KARIN AND BEKTENOV
Olzhas Bektenov began his career at the Almaty Department of Justice, then worked in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Presidential Administration. On 6 February 2024, Bektenov first took charge of the Government.
Before his appointment as Vice-President, Yerlan Karin worked as First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, when presenting his candidacy, noted Karin's many years of experience in the public administration system and his involvement in implementing reforms.
CONTEXT
On 23 August 2026, Kazakhstan held the first elections of Kurultai deputies. Seven political parties took part in the vote. According to the final results, "Adilet" received 71.17% of the votes and 110 of 145 mandates. Also entering the Kurultai were "Auyl", Respublica, "Aq Zhol" and the OSDP.
On 28 August, the first session of the Kurultai of the first convocation opened. On the same day, deputies elected Aibek Dadebai as Chairman of the Kurultai.
After the Kurultai leadership was formed, deputies elected three deputy chairmen and established eight standing committees.
