Beijing has found itself in its first period of political uncertainty in 30 years following the surprise resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Central Asia’s largest energy exporter is expected to hold presidential elections in 2020, until which time Senate Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will take over as acting president. In the meantime, the country’s priority is likely to be maintaining good relations with Moscow and Kazakhstan, and ensuring some continuity of political stability.
Kazakhstan has found itself in its first period of political uncertainty in 30 years following the surprise resignation of President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Central Asia’s largest energy exporter is expected to hold presidential elections in 2020, until which time Senate Chairman Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will take over as acting president. In the meantime, the country’s priority is likely to be maintaining good relations with Moscow and Beijing, and ensuring some continuity of political stability.