Day Of The First President Of The Republic Of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is a former Soviet republic and a country in Central Asia. It is home to over 18 million people and extends from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the country held its first presidential election as the Republic of Kazakhstan on December 1, 1991.

The anniversary of this date is now celebrated as the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan annually. Also known as Kazakhstan First President’s Day, this holiday is a public holiday that is not only a non-working day but is also a time when businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.

The History of the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan was a Soviet republic, and Nursultan Nazarbayev was appointed the First Secretary of the Communist Party of the Kazakh SSR in 1989. The following year, he was appointed as the first President of Kazakhstan by the Supreme Soviet.

In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, and Kazakhstan was the last of the former Soviet republics to declare their independence. In fact, they did so just four days after Russia declared its independence. On December 1, 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev was declared the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to Kazakhstan’s constitution, the maximum term of the President was only two 5-year terms, but that was changed in 2007 by the country’s Parliament. They passed an amendment to the constitution that allowed Nazarbayev to serve as many terms as necessary.

In 2011, the Kazakh Senate passed a law that honored Nursultan Nazarbayev’s role as the country’s first president and his importance to the development of the nation. On the 19th day of March in 2019, Nazarbayev announced that he was stepping down as President. The following day, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became the second President of Kazakhstan.

Observing the Day of the First President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

This holiday is not only observed with a day off for the general population but is also celebrated with a number of celebratory events such as parades, fairs, festivals, and cultural exhibitions.

Where is it celebrated?
Kazakhstan (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
December 1 Sunday
Next year (2025)
December 1 Monday
Last year (2023)
December 1 Friday