Nursultan Nazarbayev, the founding President of Kazakhstan, officially resigned from his post, ending a nearly 30-year administration that began after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. His tenure was marked by significant economic growth as well as increased authoritarianism. The announcement was made during a televised address, where Nazarbayev expressed his decision was made in the interests of the nation's stability and development. Following his resignation, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was the Chairman of the Senate, was appointed as the acting President, ensuring a constitutional transition of power in the country.

This moment represented a significant political shift, as Nazarbayev was widely regarded as the central figure in Kazakhstan's emergence on the world stage. His governance style was characterized by a concentration of power and a lack of political plurality. Tokayev, a longtime confidant and ally of Nazarbayev, was expected to continue many of his predecessor's policies. He emphasized his intent to uphold the existing political structure while also addressing the need for reforms in governance.

The event marked a unique instance in post-Soviet states, as Nazarbayev's resignation was largely unexpected by both the public and political analysts, indicating potential shifts in the political landscape of Kazakhstan. In the wake of his departure, questions arose surrounding the future of democracy and civil rights in the country, as well as the implications for the regional balance of power.