ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s newly formed unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, on Aug. 31 approved the appointment of Erlan Karin as vice president and backed Olzhas Bektenov to continue serving as prime minister, filling two of the country’s key senior government positions.President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev nominated both candidates during a meeting with leaders of political party factions represented in the Kurultai.Tokayev described Karin as an experienced public servant with extensive knowledge of state governance and Kazakhstan’s strategic priorities.“He has worked in the system of public administration for many years. One can say that he is a person of broad outlook, with rich experience and a true patriot,” Tokayev said, according to Akorda.The President also highlighted Karin’s understanding of the country’s long-term development agenda and urged lawmakers to support his candidacy.The Kurultai approved Karin’s appointment by an overwhelming vote, with 141 of 145 members voting in favor.
Under Kazakhstan’s Constitution, the vice president cannot simultaneously serve as a lawmaker or be a member of a political party. The vice president is also empowered to assume presidential duties if the head of state leaves office before the expiration of the presidential term.Karin brings extensive experience in academia, political analysis and government. He graduated from Zhubanov University in Aktobe in 1996 with a degree in history and geography and began his career as a university lecturer.He later held a number of senior positions in public administration, including director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, presidential aide, state secretary and state counselor. On June 30, he was appointed first deputy head of the Presidential Administration.
Bektenov to Continue as Prime Minister
During the same meeting, Tokayev nominated Olzhas Bektenov to remain as prime minister, in accordance with the constitutional procedure requiring consultations with parliamentary faction leaders before the President submits a nominee.
The Kurultai approved Bektenov’s candidacy with 137 votes.Bektenov has served as Kazakhstan’s prime minister since 2024 and will now continue leading the government under the country’s new parliamentary framework.
The consultations were attended by leaders of the factions representing the Adilet Party, Auyl People’s Democratic Patriotic Party, Respublica Party, Aq Jol Democratic Party and National Social Democratic Party.The appointments mark an important early step for Kazakhstan’s newly elected Kurultai as it begins its work and establishes the country’s senior leadership team under the new political structure.
