Guernsey Press

Kazakhstan’s new president promises to continue policies of predecessor

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev replaces Nursultan Nazarbayev who remains a powerful figure.

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The new president of Kazakhstan has been inaugurated, promising to pursue the course of his predecessor, who had run the country since independence.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took the oath of office on Wednesday, three days after the election in which he recorded about 70% of the vote.

Mr Tokayev was acting president following the surprise resignation in March of Nursultan Nazarbayev.

Kazakhstan Election
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev speaks to the media after his election win (Alexei Filippov/AP)

With that title and his role as head of the national security council, Mr Nazarbayev will remain a powerful figure in Kazakhstan.

The transition comes amid rising dissent in Kazakhstan.

More than 500 people were arrested in election-day protests.

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