Nursultan Nazarbayev's Massive Re-election Win
April 26th, 2015
April 26th, 2015

How Long Ago?
9 years, 10 months, 16 days ago
Location
Kazakhstan
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Nursultan Nazarbayev
Links & References
Tags
Nursultan Nazarbayev's Massive Re-election Win
Nursultan Nazarbayev secured his re-election as President of Kazakhstan with an overwhelming 97.7% of the vote, a notable achievement in the nation's electoral history. The election took place amid calls for democratic reforms and criticism from international observers regarding the fairness of the electoral process. The outcome further solidified Nazarbayev's authority, who had been in power since Kazakhstan's independence in 1991.
Nazarbayev in power since 1991
Nazarbayev received 97.7% of votes
Election marked by international criticism
High voter turnout reported, amid concerns
What Happened?
Nursultan Nazarbayev was re-elected as President of Kazakhstan with a staggering 97.7% of the votes cast during the presidential election held in April. This vote marked one of the largest shares in the history of Kazakhstan's electoral process. Nazarbayev's presidency had begun in 1991 following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and he had maintained a tight grip on political power, often facing allegations of suppressing opposition and curbing freedom of expression. The election was seen by many as a referendum on his long-standing leadership rather than a competitive political contest. The official voter turnout reported was impressively high, indicating widespread participation, though the legitimacy of the electoral process was questioned by some international observers. Nazarbayev's government had emphasized political stability and economic growth, arguing that strong leadership was necessary for Kazakhstan's development in the post-Soviet space. The election campaign included various developments, including state-led initiatives aimed at improving living standards and economic diversification away from oil dependency. However, critics of the election pointed to the lack of a viable opposition and restrictions placed on media coverage as signs of a flawed democratic process. As the results were announced, the government celebrated the overwhelming support as a mandate for continued leadership under Nazarbayev.
Why Does it Matter?
The 2015 re-election of Nursultan Nazarbayev is significant as it underscores the ongoing challenges of democracy and governance in post-Soviet states. Despite significant economic growth during Nazarbayev's presidency, the lack of democratic reforms and the heavy-handed approach to dissent raise important questions about political legitimacy. This event is interesting because it encapsulates the complexity of governance in a nation seeking a balance between stability and democratic principles, illustrating a broader trend in former Soviet republics grappling with their political identities.
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