Kazakh interim president praised as election candidate

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Kazakhstan's founding president Nursultan Nazarbayev on Tuesday proposed loyalist interim successor Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the ruling party's candidate for a snap presidential vote.

"I propose for consideration Tokayev's candidacy," said Nazarbayev, who chairs the Nur Otan party. "I ask everyone to support his candidacy".

Tokayev became interim president in March following 78-year-old Nazarbayev's shock resignation after three decades in the role.

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After Nazarbayev spoke at the party conference, other speakers took to the stage to praise Tokayev.

If Nur Otan supports his candidacy, Tokayev will almost certainly win the June 9 election in the country of 18 million people.

Acting President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (R) shakes hands with his predecessor Nursultan Nazarbayev during a joint session of the houses of parliament in Astana, Kazakhstan March 20, 2019. /Reuters Photo

"I am sure he will be a worthy leader," Nazarbayev said of the 65-year-old career diplomat.

"I am proud that the honor befell me to create an independent Kazakhstan," Nazarbayev said.

"We have a vision for the development of the country 10 years ahead... People need stability and confidence in tomorrow. I will continue to work in the interests of the people of Kazakhstan."

Tokayev has said that Nazarbayev will retain a deciding role in domestic and foreign policy.

In addition to his role as head of the ruling party, Nazarbayev still serves the country's "Leader of the Nation", or "Elbasy" in Kazakh, and the lifelong chair of the powerful security council.

Source(s): AFP