Kazakhstan has begun voting in early elections for a new, single-chamber parliament, the Kurultai, following sweeping constitutional changes that took effect in July. A total of 545 candidates from seven parties are competing for 145 seats, with lawmakers serving five-year terms. JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Authorities say the reforms will streamline lawmaking, but critics question whether they will loosen Kazakhstan’s highly centralised political system, where power remains concentrated in the presidency. The campaign has been dominated by Adilet (Justice), a new pro-presidential party that absorbed the former ruling Amanat party. Critics say the other six parties offer little genuine competition and broadly support President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Independent candidates were barred from running, while opposition groups were not registered. “I am 73 years old. I have been waiting for things to get better for 73 years, but so far, nothing has really worked out. Still, I hope that this year things will finally improve,” one voter told TVP World. TVP World correspondent Anastasiia Yanchenko, reporting from Astana, Kazakhstan, said “Sunday’s vote will be the first test of Kazakhstan’s new constitutional order, but may not deliver a significant change in Kazakhstan’s politics.” Close ties with Moscow The election is also being closely watched because of Kazakhstan’s ties with Russia.