Kazakhstan's Tokayev appoints longtime adviser as vice president

On August 31, 2026, Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev appointed his longtime adviser Erlan Karin as vice president, a role created under a new constitution adopted earlier in 2026. Karin, who has been a top aide since Tokayev took office in 2019, becomes first in line to succeed the president. Tokayev praised Karin as an experienced public servant and patriot. The appointment was swiftly approved by parliament, dominated by the pro-Tokayev Adilet party. Tokayev also proposed reappointing Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister, which was also approved. Tokayev, 73, is eligible to run for another seven-year term under the new constitution, with his current term ending in 2029. Karin, 50, has a background in counter-terrorism and has promoted Tokayev's 'New Kazakhstan' ideology.