On 13 January lawmakers from the three factions in the Mazhilis (Lower House), all loyal to President Nursultan Nazerbayev, initiated a motion to dissolve parliament and hold snap elections, "in connection with the aggravated economic situation in the country". The President, who according to Kazakh law has to consult with the chairmen of both houses of Parliament and the Prime Minister, has not yet taken a decision on the matter. Political analysts are expecting Nazarbayev to approve the dissolution. Parliamentary elections were originally planned in 2017, but are now likely to be held this year.
↧