Kazakhstan holds snap elections post constitutional changes

Kazakhstan has completed voting in snap parliamentary elections that are expected to further consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s hold on power. The polls follow a major constitutional overhaul that abolished the upper house of parliament and reshaped the country’s political system. While officials say the reforms strengthen parliament, critics point out that only state-approved parties loyal to Tokayev were allowed to participate. With vote counting under way, the election is being closely watched as a test of Kazakhstan’s political future and reform agenda.