What type of government runs Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan is a semi-presidential republic with authoritarian tendencies, where the president holds most executive power. The political system concentrates powers in the hands of the head of state.
Structure of the Political System
Kazakhstan operates under a semi-presidential republic system where the president holds a central position. This system theoretically combines an elected president with universal suffrage and a Prime Minister, but in practice, executive power is heavily concentrated around the head of state.
Characteristics of Power
- Reinforced presidential power: the president appoints the government, directs foreign and security policy
- Bicameral parliament: composed of the Senate and the Mazhilis, with limited powers
- Authoritarian tendency: strict control of media, opposition and civil society
Key Points
Since independence in 1991, Kazakhstan has been governed by a strong presidential system, first under Nursultan Nazarbayev and then Kassym-Jomart Tokayev since 2019. The country remains classified among authoritarian regimes by international democracy indices.