TOUGH QUESTIONS AND DIRECT ANSWERS: 

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MAIN POLITICAL DEBATES 2026 

The Main Debates 2026, commissioned by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, were broadcast live on the “24KZ” television channel.

The large-scale event demonstrated an unprecedented level of multiparty participation and strong competition among the parties’ election programmes. These were the final televised debates ahead of the country’s first-ever elections to the Kurultai. The special status of the project was underscored by the line-up of participants: the leaders of all seven registered political parties of Kazakhstan took part – Chair of the Adilet Party Aibek Dadebay, Chair of the Democratic Party “Ak Zhol” Daniya Espayeva, Chair of the People’s Party of Kazakhstan Nursultan Shokanov, Chair of the Auyl Party Kairat Aituganov, Chair of the Nationwide Social Democratic Party of Kazakhstan Askhat Rakhimzhanov, Chair of the Respublica Party Aidarbek Khojanazarov, and Chair of the Baytaq Party Azamatkhan Amirtayev. Lyazzat Suyindik, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, monitored compliance with the debate rules and ensured that participants were given equal opportunities to speak.

The live broadcast brought together audiences across the country. Before the discussion began, the programme featured live reports from the campaign headquarters of all seven participating parties. In addition, the Agency’s correspondents in the United States, China, and the UAE organized live video links with compatriots who were actively following the political life of their home country.

The Main Debates, which began at 19:00 with a special preview programme, became a major discussion platform combining modern technology, lively exchanges, international video links, and the genuine emotions of party supporters. Viewers were also given an opportunity to take an active part in the political contest. Voters could submit questions to party leaders using a QR code, while questions received through the contact center were also read out during the broadcast. Around 59,000 questions were submitted by citizens across the country. Some were put directly to party leaders live on air, while the remaining questions will be forwarded to the parties for further engagement with voters.

Viewers were able to follow the political debate live on the “24KZ” television channel, as well as through the channel’s official accounts on YouTube, Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

During the debates, the leaders of the seven political parties presented their approaches to the country’s development, economic policy, the social sphere, and improving citizens’ quality of life.

The open discussion gave viewers an opportunity to compare the parties’ political platforms, identify areas of common ground, and see the fundamental differences in their approaches to key issues of public policy.

One of the most substantive parts of the debates was the round of direct questions from citizens. The geographical reach of the submissions extended well beyond Kazakhstan, with questions also coming from abroad, including from Belgium.

In the final round, the leaders of all seven parties addressed voters directly. Each was given an opportunity to highlight the central message of their programme and speak to citizens ahead of the historic vote.

The Main Debates 2026 televised debate can be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/rEwlDpfZFxQ