Kazakhstan’s televised debates mark final stretch of parliamentary campaign

As Kazakhstan’s campaign for the new unicameral Kurultai enters its final week ahead of the 23 August elections, the first-ever nationally televised team debates involving all seven competing parties have taken center stage, giving voters a direct opportunity to compare platforms under public scrutiny.

Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai elections: a new constitutional order takes shape

Broadcast on the Jibek Joly television channel on 12 August, the debates featured full party teams rather than individual candidates for the first time in the campaign. The format required each of the seven parties to present a unified position, defend their proposals against opponents’ challenges, and respond to live questions from viewers. Real-time public participation was enabled through a QR-code polling system.

Political observers described the event as a sign of a more interactive political culture emerging in Kazakhstan, one in which parties must not only outline policy ideas but also justify them under open examination.

Rule of law at the heart of the debate

According to The Astana Times, the main theme of the team debate was law and order, covering public safety, judicial reform, equality before the law, and public trust in state institutions. Viewers sought concrete proposals to strengthen the legal system rather than broad slogans.

Kazakhstan’s #Kurultai election campaign entered its final stretch, with nationally televised debates dominating the campaign. The debates offered #voters an opportunity to compare the platforms of the seven competing political parties.https://t.co/QWYx4nW0vX
— The Astana Times (@TheAstanaTimes) August 17, 2026

“The third round of the election debates was particularly intense. Law and order is a topic that concerns everyone. Kazakhstan has accumulated extensive experience in legal reform, and that process continues to evolve. Much has been achieved, but there is always room for improvement,” political scientist and historian Daniyar Ashimbayev wrote on Telegram.

The debate unfolded in four rounds. Party representatives first explained why voters should support them, then evaluated rivals’ platforms. They answered live questions from the public and concluded by making one specific campaign pledge they committed to fulfilling if elected. Exchanges were often confrontational as parties challenged one another’s priorities.

Ashimbayev highlighted the performance of the Adilet Party, represented by prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova and lawyer Madi Myrzagarayev, chairman of the National Bar Association. He called the pair a “surprisingly effective tandem of experienced legal practitioners.” The former ruling party, Amanat in June voted to dissolve itself and merge into the newly created Adilet Party.

Aimaganova stressed that the rule of law rests on three principles: an independent judiciary and law enforcement system, an open and accountable government, and effective protection of citizens. “The law must apply equally to everyone,” she said, adding that the state should act proactively rather than merely respond to violations.

Among Adilet’s proposals, observers noted measures to reduce crime through improved urban infrastructure, expanded digital tools for law enforcement, stronger institutions to protect citizens’ rights, and a unified forecasting and analytical center to identify emerging security risks early.

Parties stake out distinct positions

While rule of law dominated the team debate, parties continued to differentiate themselves on other issues. Aq Jol Democratic Party and Respublica competed for entrepreneurs and economically liberal voters by emphasizing business development and market-oriented reforms. The Auyl Party focused on agricultural development and rural communities. The Nationwide Social Democratic Party (NSDP) and the People’s Party of Kazakhstan concentrated on social policy, while the Baytaq Green Party highlighted environmental protection and sustainable development.

The debates drew record public engagement. According to Jibek Joly, 165,153 viewers cast votes via the QR-code system. Adilet received the highest support at 60.6 percent, followed by Auyl at 15.1 percent and Respublica at 10.2 percent. NSDP received 3.9 percent, Aq Jol 3.5 percent, the People’s Party of Kazakhstan 3.3 percent, and Baytaq 2.7 percent. A further 0.7 percent selected “no one.”

The week also included head-to-head debates, including contests between Aq Jol and Respublica, and between the NSDP and the People’s Party of Kazakhstan. Analysts and social-media reactions noted Aq Jol’s more confrontational, fact-based style against Respublica’s emphasis on political renewal and generational change. The NSDP–People’s Party exchange centered on ideological differences and approaches to social and economic policy.

The fourth and final major televised debate ahead of the election, featuring the leaders/chairpersons of all seven parties, was held yesterday, 19 August, on 24KZ TV Channel, under the theme “From Economic Growth to Citizens’ Well-Being.” It included program presentations, cross-questions, responses to citizen questions, and closing appeals. A total of 777 foreign observers from 42 countries and 13 international organizations have been accredited to monitor Kazakhstan’s Kurultai election, Central Election Commission (CEC) Secretary Mukhtar Yerman said on Thursday.

https://astanatimes.com/2026/08/kazakhstans-first-kurultai-election-attracts-777-foreign-observers/

Caption: Team TV debates of representatives of seven parties running for the new unicameral Kurultai, on Jibek Joly TV channel on 12 August. Madi Myrzagarayev, chairman of the Republican Bar Association and prosecutor Aizhan Aimaganova represented Adilet Party.[Photo credit: Jibek Joly]