WASHINGTON, D.C. - On November 17, the Caspian Policy Center hosted regional experts and policy officials to share and exchange valuable insights on the upcoming elections in Kazakhstan, the country’s current realities, and future constitutional path.

Caspian Policy Center’s CEO Efgan Nifti opened the event with welcome remarks, noting the importance of the democratic elections, fostering regional connectivity, and bridging gaps among the states in Central Asia.

Moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Richard E. Hoagland, Senior Fellow at the Caspian Policy Center, honored speakers Eugene Chausovsky, Senior Analyst, Newsline Institute; Gavin Helf, Senior Expert on Central Asia, United States Institute of Peace; Sergei Gretsky, Academic Director of the Foreign Policy Academy at Georgetown University; William Courtney, Adjunct Senior Fellow, RAND Corporation; and Wilder Alejandro Sanzhez, President of Second Floor Strategies shared their insights on benefits and drawbacks of the elections, constitutional amendments, and the existing and potential involvement of the United States in Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan entered the presidential election campaign period until November 18, 2022, after the period of the nomination of candidates closed on October 21. The speakers highlighted that the January events in the beginning of this year in multiple regions of Kazakhstan have shaken and tested the law and order with its organized violence and destruction.

Earlier in September, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced new constitutional amendments and snap presidential elections with an updated presidential mandate limited to one term of seven years without the right to be re-elected. President Tokayev said that the new presidential system would strengthen Kazakhstan’s political stability and social structure. All Institutional changes envisioned by the constitutional reforms are to be legally completed by the end of this year.