Kazakhstan court allows Tokayev new term

Kazakhstan's Constitutional Court ruled on July 7, 2026, that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is eligible to seek another seven-year term under a new constitution that took effect in July 2026. The court determined that Tokayev's current term, which began in 2022, does not count toward the single-term limit under the new constitution, effectively resetting his term limit. The new constitution, approved by referendum in March 2026, merges parliament into a single chamber, creates a vice presidency, and establishes a People's Council appointed by the president. Tokayev, who has led Kazakhstan since 2019, requested the court's opinion himself. The ruling strengthens his grip on power and aligns with trends in other former Soviet republics like Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where leaders have extended their time in office. Tokayev previously suppressed protests in January 2022 that left 238 dead, according to official figures.