Polls have opened in Kazakhstan for parliamentary elections to elect 145 members to the Kurultai, the country's new unicameral legislature. This vote marks the latest stage of a sweeping constitutional overhaul pursued by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Candidates from seven state-approved parties loyal to President Tokayev are taking part in the election, while opposition parties have been banned. The process is expected to further strengthen and consolidate power in the president's hands.
As Central Asia's largest nation, Kazakhstan will have to continue a delicate balancing act between Russia, the EU, and China following the elections this Sunday.