Tokayev Assumes Leadership of Kazakhstan

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the winner of Kazakhstan's early presidential elections, has taken an oath of allegiance to the republic's people and officially assumed the position of head of state, reports a correspondent from RIA Novosti.

“I solemnly swear to faithfully serve the people of Kazakhstan, strictly adhere to the Constitution and laws of Kazakhstan, guarantee the rights and freedoms of citizens, and diligently fulfill the high duties entrusted to me as President of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” Tokayev stated during the inauguration ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony took place at the Palace of Independence and was broadcasted on national television and the president's press service's social media channels. Present at the event were Kazakhstan's first president Nursultan Nazarbayev, members of the government, parliament members, the diplomatic corps accredited in the country, as well as representatives of the public.

According to the law, if the President of Kazakhstan is elected through early elections, the oath must be taken within one month from the date of the publication of the voting results. Tokayev took the oath on the fourth day after the official announcement of the final voting results, which were presented two days after the elections.

The early presidential elections in Kazakhstan were held on November 20. According to the final data from the Central Election Commission, the current leader Tokayev won with 81.31% of the votes. The overall voter turnout was 69.44%.