ALMATY (Reuters) – Kazakhstan votes on a constitutional reform on Sunday promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as a step in direction of liberalising the tightly-run oil-rich nation, though it might nonetheless depart key powers in his arms.

The reform is probably going to provide the 69-year-old Tokayev the political capital he must run for a second time period within the Central Asian nation intently allied with Russia, this time with out the backing of his former patron and predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Though in energy since 2019, following Nazarbayev’s abrupt resignation after three many years in energy, Tokayev has solely absolutely emerged as an unbiased determine this 12 months after subverting an tried coup in January and eradicating Nazarbayev and his relations from key positions within the authorities.

Apart from strikes to decentralise decision-making and permit larger illustration of assorted teams in parliament, the reform can even strip Nazarbayev of his “nationwide chief” standing which granted him lifetime privileges.

Tokayev has described the proposed modifications as a transfer from a “superpresidential” system to a presidential republic with a robust parliament. Though critics say the reform is beauty, it does mark a reversal from a decades-long development in direction of strengthening presidential powers.

“We’re… laying the muse for the Second Republic,” Tokayev mentioned, addressing the nation on the eve of the vote.

Analysts say the transfer is partially a response to January’s unrest which began as a protest in opposition to a gasoline value hike and advanced right into a broad show of public discontent with a system which concentrates energy and wealth within the arms of some.

Tokayev has additionally referred to as for increased taxes on the profitable extractive industries and high-income people, saying social justice could be the cornerstone of a brand new social contract.

Addressing home coverage considerations would unlock the profession diplomat’s arms to take care of unprecedented exterior turbulence.

Caught between main financial and safety companion Russia and the West, which has invested a whole lot of billions of {dollars} into its big oilfields and mines, Kazakhstan is making an attempt to navigate a approach by the Ukrainian disaster with out angering both facet.