Voters are heading to polls under tight media restrictions, with journalists jailed for reporting on sensitive topics like citizens fighting in Ukraine. The new single-chamber parliament, Kurultai, follows a constitutional change that resets Tokayev’s term limits; allowing him to rule till 2032. Economic pain (inflation at 10.2%) and memories of 2022’s deadly fuel protests are pushing him to centralize power. Independent voices? Silenced. Advertisements? Flooding streets for his party, Adilet. This isn’t just an election; it’s consolidation. And the world is watching.