MOSCOW — Voters within the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan forged ballots Sunday on proposed constitutional modifications seen as an try to repudiate the legacy of former strongman Nursultan Nazarbayev, who led the ex-Soviet republic for 3 a long time.
The referendum was referred to as by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was put in by Kazakhstan’s governing social gathering in January after violent demonstrations left greater than 230 folks useless. The protests have been sparked by a steep rise in gas costs, however got here to mirror huge public discontent with a stagnant financial system and authoritarian authorities.
Tokayev moved to sideline Nazarbayev, who had stepped down in 2019 however continued to carry highly effective positions. In March, Tokayev vowed political reforms, together with lowering the ability of the presidency and strengthening parliament. He additionally referred to as for lowering authorities involvement within the financial system, and making an attempt to brdige the hole between wealthy and poor.
The referendum included particular questions on modifications like prohibiting the demise penalty and banning some officers from becoming a member of political events. Nevertheless it was broadly about assist for Tokayev’s general course.
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