Nazarbayev maintains stronghold in Kazakhstan; daughter becomes new speaker

Dariga Nazarbayeva, the eldest daughter of former Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, was elected speaker of the upper house of parliament on Wednesday, the No.2 position in the Central Asian nation's political hierarchy. The previous speaker, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, has taken over as president in line with the constitution.

Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president of Kazakhstan, on Tuesday, resigned as the Central Asian nation's leader after three decades in power. His announcement came a year ahead of the country's next scheduled presidential election and amid growing frustration over falling living standards.

Nursultan Nazarbayev recently sacked the Kazakhstan government in February, citing a lack of economic development despite the Central Asian nation's vast energy resources. Nazarbayev also blamed the government for allegedly failing to raise real incomes, boost jobs and improve living standards.

Nazarbayev has been accused of human rights abuses by several human rights organisations and, according to The Guardian, has suppressed dissent and presided over an authoritarian regime. No election held in Kazakhstan since independence has been judged to be free or fair by the West.