On August 26, 2026, Almaty hosted an expert meeting titled “The Results of the Kurultai Elections: What’s Next? (Expert Forecast),” dedicated to discussing the election results, assessing the electoral campaign, and examining possible directions for the further development of Kazakhstan’s political process.

The event was organized by the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies (IPPR) in cooperation with the Center for Public Development of the Department of Internal Policy of Almaty.

Aigul Sadvokassova, Director General of the Institute for Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies, delivered welcoming remarks.

The expert meeting was moderated by Aidar Amrebayev, Head of the IPPR Center for Comparative Political Studies.

The discussion brought together experts representing Kazakhstan’s academic, research, and political science communities:

•  A. E. Chebotarev — Director of the Alternative Center for Current Research;
•   Zh. K. Simtikov — Head of the Department of Social Sciences at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University;
•   Yu. O. Buluktaev — Chief Research Fellow at the IPPR Center for Comparative Political Studies;
•   Z. A. Karazhanov — political scientist, Director of the Kemel Arna Public Foundation;
•   E. E. Poletayev — President and Editor-in-Chief of the World of Eurasia Information and Analytical Journal;
•   E. V. Smailov — political analyst, public and political figure, former Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan of the VII convocation.

The expert discussion focused on the results of the Kurultai elections and the political processes that may follow the completion of the electoral campaign. Participants presented their assessments of the election results, discussed the specific features of the electoral process, and examined its potential implications for the further development of Kazakhstan’s political system.

Particular attention was given to the prospects for the work of the renewed composition of the Kurultai, the development of political dialogue, and further interaction between the state and society. Experts considered various scenarios for the evolution of the political agenda and identified factors that could influence subsequent socio-political processes.

The roundtable format provided an opportunity to present diverse expert perspectives and hold an open discussion on pressing issues of Kazakhstan’s political development. As emphasized during the meeting, such professional platforms are important for the systematic analysis of ongoing processes, comparison of different expert assessments, and development of meaningful public dialogue.