Tokayev calls Kazakhstan's new parliament elections start of major work

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described the elections to the country's new unicameral parliament, the Qurultay, as the beginning of major work.

According to Report, he made the remarks to journalists after voting at a polling station in the Palace of Independence in Astana.

Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan had achieved important results, adding: "At the same time, there is still a lot of work ahead, and the goals we have set are of particular importance. Today's elections are only the beginning of this major work."

The Kazakh president called the elections a historic day for the country.

"Undoubtedly, today is truly a historic day for our country. For the first time, we are holding elections to the unicameral Qurultay. This is an important historical event. We are carrying out large-scale reforms by uniting as a single nation," he said.

On July 1, Kazakhstan's new Constitution entered into force. The document provides for the country's transition from a bicameral parliament to a unicameral parliament, the Qurultay.

The Qurultay will consist of 145 deputies. Deputies will be elected only from party lists, and their term of office will be five years.