Kazakhstan is heading to the polls Sunday, following a surprise resignation by Nursultan Nazarbayev, who served as president of the country for nearly thirty years. The government is pushing for a smooth transition and the election result isn't too difficult to anticipate. CGTN's Michal Bardavid reports.

On March 19th of this year, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the unquestioned leader of Kazakhstan unexpectedly announced he was stepping down as president. A day later parliament voted to honor him by changing the capitals' name from Astana to Nursultan.

MICHAL BARDAVID NURSULTAN, KAZAKHSTAN "Though Nazarbayev has resigned as president, it's quite likely that he will still be the most powerful man in the country – as he will still keep his status as the national leader, known as Elbasy as well as his role as the chairman of the ruling party Nur Otan and the head of the Security Council."

There are several issues the new president will need to work on. Among them social welfare, youth unemployment, housing conditions – especially in rural areas, and reforms in health care and education. But some analysts believe the most critical challenge will be dealing with the country's economic struggles.

ZHANIBEK ARYNOV, SENIOR EXPERT INST. OF WORLD ECONOMICS & POLITICS IN KAZAKHSTAN "Oil price decreases, and given this geo-economic situation around Kazakhstan, around neighbors of Kazakhstan, for example, the sanctions in Russia, trade wars between China and the United States and all these processes, the external environment has direct influence on the economic situation in Kazakhstan."

The ruling party has nominated current interim president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as their presidential candidate. Tokayev has made a career in politics. He's served both as foreign minister and prime minister. He's also worked as a deputy secretary general of the United Nations. There is almost no doubt that he will be elected during early elections on June 9th – which he called for.

Officials in Kazakhstan are hoping for a smooth transition, a continuity that would also give reassurance to the many foreign investors who are closely watching. Tokayev's visits to Moscow and Tashkent in April have signaled his foreign policy would be similar to that of Nazarbayev.

Tokayev also speaks Chinese and worked in Beijing during his early career - which could be beneficial to Kazakhstan as China is a key partner.

ZHANIBEK ARYNOV, SENIOR EXPERT INST. OF WORLD ECONOMICS & POLITICS IN KAZAKHSTAN "China is one of the biggest investors in Kazakhstan, so until this date, China has invested about 45 billion dollars to Kazakhstan. So given all these things, and also Kazakhstan is also part of China's Belt and Road Initiative which is also important in terms of connectivity because Kazakhstan is landlocked and building infrastructure, transport infrastructure is very important for the country."

But the country's next president also needs to focus on domestic issues as well, especially the young population who some experts say have become more demanding from the government.

ISKANDER AKYLBAYEV, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KAZAKHSTAN COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS "I believe that President Tokayev is following new trends, that's why he asked local governors to open accounts in Facebook and Instagram, trying to engage with society and promote a dialogue rather than a monologue."

Though Nazarbayev's resignation came as a surprise to many, it was likely a well thought strategic plan by the long-time ruler. From here on forward, not too many surprises are expected, but it will be interesting to see whether any motivated politicians will challenge Tokayev at the ballot box. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Nursultan, Kazakhstan.