January 19, 2023

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in Eurasia, usually posted on Thursdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

The headquarters of the KazMunayGas company in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Ninaras (CC BY 4.0)

Upcoming Eurasia Elections

Kazakhstan Snap Parliamentary Elections: March 19, 2023

In January 2022, a series of violent protests broke out in Kazakhstan, and in the aftermath, something of a political realignment took place with the sidelining of former president Nursultan Nazerbayev, who had previously exercised a great deal of influence behind the scenes. 

The country held a constitutional referendum in June 2022 that President Kassym-Jomart claimed would make Kazakhstan more representative, although in reality, the changes were largely cosmetic. A series of snap elections (for president, senate, and now parliament) similarly probably will not produce real reform. 

Kazakhstan is a major oil producer and has historically been one of Russia’s closest allies, but has snubbed Moscow on several occasions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

RFE/RL (January 19, 2023): Kazakh President Dismisses Parliament, Calls Snap Parliamentary Elections

Paolo Sorbello, The Diplomat (January 17, 2023): Kazakhstan’s Media, Journalists Under Pressure: An attack on a journalist highlights the difficult environment for the press.

Russia, Gubernatorial and Local Elections in Some Regions (including Moscow mayor): September 10, 2023, followed by presidential election due in September 2024

RFE/RL (January 19, 2023): Dozens Of Russian Lawmakers Urge Putin To Halt Pressure Tactics On Navalny

Moldova Local Elections: October 2023 (due)

Madalin Necsutu, Balkan Insight (January 18, 2023): EU Ambassador’s concerns over ex-Pres. Saakashvili’s health “surprising”, “groundless” – Vice PM

Georgia Parliamentary Elections: October 2024 (due)

Khatia Dekanoidze, Euronews (January 18, 2023): Georgia is at a crossroads to European integration

Belarus Presidential Election: August 2025 (due)

Voice of America (January 17, 2023): Belarus Begins Trial of Opposition Leader

Anoushka Rajesh Suhane, Jurist (January 18, 2023): Belarus opposition leader condemns her trial in absentia

Anne-Sylvaine Chassany and Katie Martin, Financial Times (January 17, 2023): Belarus opposition leader warns of ‘massive disobedience’ if Alexander Lukashenko mobilises for Ukraine war

Eurasia Elections Coming Up in 2023

Kazakhstan Senate Elections: January 14, 2023

Turkmenistan Parliamentary and Local Elections: March 2023 (due)

Kazakhstan Snap Parliamentary Elections: March 19, 2023

Russia, Gubernatorial and Local Elections in Some Regions (including Moscow mayor): September 10, 2023

Armenia, Local Elections in Yerevan: September 2023 (due)

Ukraine Parliamentary Elections: October 29, 2023 (due)

Moldova Local Elections: October 2023 (due)

Belarus Local Elections: Due in 2023 (delays possible)

21votes does not necessarily agree with all of the opinions expressed in the linked articles; rather, our goal is to curate a wide range of voices. Furthermore, none of the individuals or organizations referenced have reviewed 21votes’ content. That is to say, their inclusion should not be taken to imply that they endorse us in any way. More on our approach here.