Tengrinews.kz — Experts have commented on the Constitutional Court's interpretation regarding the application of the new Constitution's provisions to current officials. According to their assessment, the ruling resolves the uncertainty surrounding Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's potential participation in future presidential elections, though it does not imply an automatic nomination.
The discussion was prompted by the President's appeal to the Constitutional Court following the enactment of the new Constitution. The inquiry concerned how term limits for elective and appointive positions would apply to individuals who already held those respective offices under the 1995 Constitution.
Political commentator Gaziz Abishev explains that the Constitutional Court's interpretation effectively grants the current Head of State the right to participate in future presidential elections.
"Furthermore, the Constitutional Court implies that the 'single seven-year term' rule restricting presidents does not apply to the current Head of State. It will begin to apply from the upcoming presidential elections, whenever they may occur, equally for everyone," Abishev wrote.
In his view, such an interpretation can be seen as an element of political stabilization ahead of the next electoral cycle.
"Given that the elections are scheduled to take place in three years, in September 2029, this serves as a kind of political safeguard against systemic erosion. According to the Constitutional Court's interpretation, President Tokayev has the right to run, which, however, does not mean he will run. But he will have this leverage," the political observer noted.
Political scientist Marat Shibutov also links the Constitutional Court's decision to the issue of political resilience. According to him, the expectation of an imminent power transition could intensify intra-elite competition and uncertainty.
"History has repeatedly shown that the expectation of a rapid power transition often triggers premature intra-elite competition and rising political uncertainty.
Today, the Constitutional Court has resolved all questions regarding the interpretation of the presidential term limit norm, signaling to the elites to cease any speculation regarding the future of the institution of the presidency.
The confirmed possibility of the incumbent President's re-participation in elections should be perceived as an additional factor for political resilience and domestic stability," Shibutov believes.
At the same time, the political scientist emphasized that this is not about the predetermination of future political decisions, but only about the existence of a constitutionally provided opportunity.
"It is important to understand that this does not mean an automatic nomination or the predetermination of future political decisions. This is purely about the existence of a possibility provided by the Constitution, the final decision on which is made by the citizens through elections," Shibutov said.
According to the expert, the primary significance of the appeal to the Constitutional Court may be seen as a signal to domestic political forces: Kazakhstan is maintaining the stability of state institutions, acting within the legal framework, and leaving no room for calculations based on the weakening of the presidential vertical or the artificial acceleration of political processes.