Strongest Opposition Parties to Finalise Merger on June 23

The two strongest opposition parties in Kazakstan, Nagyz Ak Jol and the National Social Democrats, are merging and will meet on June 23 to agree on the name, structure and political platform of their new party.



Observers say more and more parties are merging ahead of possible early parliamentary elections. There has been widespread speculation that parliament will dissolve in June, after constitutional amendments expanding the legislature’s powers were adopted on May 22. If that happens, early elections will be called for this August or September. The presidential Nur Otan party will dominate the show given that alternative parties have not been given enough time to prepare.