Tokayev sets snap presidential election in Kazakhstan for June 9
Ukraine reports 5,276 new COVID-19 cases Zelensky: Every third Ukrainian considers road construction one of greatest achievements of 2021 Ukraine ready to implement Minsk agreements, but Russia's desire needed - Yermak Michel: EU unanimously agree to roll over economic sanctions against Russia Actions by Ukraine's partners will help prevent worst-case scenario - Zelensky COVID-19 in Ukraine: Health officials confirm 8,899 daily cases as of Dec 17 Macron tells Zelensky he declared support for Ukraine in call with Putin Zelensky, Scholz discuss gas transit through Ukraine after 2024 Ukraine ready for any format of talks with Russia - Zelensky Ukraine’s only journalist in Russia facing extremism charges - lawyer PM Shmyhal: First two applications for investment projects worth $96 million filed Zelensky, PM of Italy discuss security situation around Ukraine President signs off State Budget 2022 London considering all options for responding to Russia's aggression against Ukraine Putin, Biden to hold another round of talks Some 260,000 Ukrainians “victims of human trafficking” over 30 years - prosecutor general Ukraine plans to create center to protect energy infrastructure from cyber attacks No clear idea so far when Normandy Four top diplomats set to meet - German Ambassador Ukraine receives EUR 600M in macro-financial assistance from EU Zelensky holds phone conversation with PM of Israel Ukraine sets new daily COVID vaccination record MFA: European Union has not yet removed Ukraine from list of safe countries Kyiv records 1,023 new COVID-19 cases, 29 deaths G7 ambassadors welcome adoption of law on NABU status Ukraine can increase Covid vaccination rates to 1.5M a week – Liashko

Kazakhstan’s snap presidential election will take place on June 9, 2019, the country’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said in an address to the nation, which was broadcast on state TV.

"In accordance with the country’s constitution, I have made a decision to set a snap presidential election for June 9, 2019," Tokayev said.

He emphasized that "it is necessary to hold a snap presidential election" and vowed to make sure the election was fair and transparent. According to Tokayev, the presidential election will be held in order to eliminate any uncertainty at an important time in the country’s history and "ensure the stability and continuity of the policy course" set by Kazakhstan’s first President Nusrultan Nazarbayev.

According to Tokayev, he decided to call a snap election after holding consultations with Nazarbayev, the speakers of both houses of parliament, the prime minister and leaders of political parties.

"I firmly believe that it is necessary to hold a snap election. In order to ensure social and political harmony, move forward with confidence and accomplish social and economic tasks, there is a need to eliminate any uncertainty," Tokayev said.

His address to the nation lasted seven minutes. He first spoke in Kazakh, then in Russian.

Presidential decree
A decree calling a snap presidential election has been published on the Kazakh president’s website. According to the document, the country’s Central Election Commission is tasked to organize and hold the vote, while the government is to provide it with organizational, technical and financial support. Regional administrations are "to compile and check voter registers in due time" and cooperate with the Central Election Commission and its local branches.

Change of power
On March 20, Tokayev took the oath as Kazakhstan’s president following Nazarbayev’s resignation that he announced in an address to the nation. However, Nazarbayev said he would remain head of the Kazakh Security Council and leader of the Nur Otan party, as well as member of the Constitutional Council.

Nazarbayev became Kazakhstan’s first president in 1990 and was elected president in a nationwide election in 1991.