  Kazakhstan holding snap presidential election on June 9 April 9, 2019 - 12:52 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Kazakhstan's interim President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev has announced a snap presidential election on June 9, RFE/RL reports. In a televised address on April 9, Toqaev said he would "guarantee free and fair elections," although he did not say if he would contest the vote. Toqaev became interim president on March 20, a day after President Nursultan Nazarbaev announced he was stepping down after ruling the energy-rich country for nearly 30 years. The 78-year-old Nazarbaev, however, remains chairman for life of the Kazakh Security Council and chairman of the ruling Nur-Otan party. On April 9, Toqaev met with the leaders of political parties represented in the parliament. The presidential website said Toqaev met on April 8 with cabinet ministers and Darigha Nazarbaeva, the chairwoman of the Senate and Nazarbaev’s daughter. The 55-year-old Nazarbaeva, the eldest daughter of Nazarbaev, was elected to the post by the Senate after Toqaev became interim leader. She succeeded Toqaev as Senate speaker.  Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity  The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization.Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia.Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |
