Sun Ming

(№.1,2017)

Abstract: For over twenty years, under the leadership of President Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan has realized the country's successful transformation and rapid development, and has made achievements that caught the world's attention. In consequence, this also laid a foundation for Nazarbayev's unshakable supreme prestige in Kazakhstan and established authoritarian political system with Nazarbayev as the core. The general public in Kazakhstan even believes that Kazakhstan's present achievements or the country's future would not be achieved without Nazarbayev. Yet, as Nazarbayev grows senior in age, the power transition in the future has been a topic for all walks of life and a great challenge to Kazakhstan's national development. In view of the actual conditions in Kazakhstan, it is quite impossible that there will be another "powerful" president similar to Nazarbayev. None of the president, government or parliament is likely to possess Nazarbayev-like influence. Under this circumstance, the trend of Kazakhstan's national political structure becomes focus of attention.

Keywords: Kazakhstan; President Nazarbayev; power transition; political structure; reform and development