Kathmandu— Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has appointed longtime adviser Erlan Karin as the country's first vice president. The move, made on Monday, positions Karin as the first in line to succeed Tokayev as leader of the Central Asian nation. This appointment comes under a new constitution adopted earlier this year that created the role of vice president.

Karin's Background and Role

Erlan Karin, who has served as a top aide to Tokayev since he took over the presidency in 2019, is described by Tokayev as an experienced public servant with extensive knowledge of state governance. According to local media reports, Tokayev praised Karin for his broad outlook and rich experience, calling him a true patriot. The 50-year-old has a background in 'counter-terrorism' and has positioned himself as a key figure in promoting Tokayev’s ideology, which he has dubbed “New Kazakhstan.”

Political Context

Tokayev also proposed reappointing Olzhas Bektenov as prime minister, a position he has held since 2024. Both appointments were swiftly approved by parliament, which is dominated by the pro-Tokayev Adilet party. Tokayev, who took office in 2019 as the chosen successor of Nursultan Nazarbayev, broke from his predecessor after nationwide unrest in 2022 that left hundreds dead and was cast as a coup attempt by figures from Nazarbayev's era.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.