Founding President's Day

Founding President’s Day is a national official holiday observed annually in Kazakhstan on 1 December. The day is held to honor the role of Nursultan Nazarbayev, the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in the country’s independence process and in shaping its state institutions. The legal basis for the holiday was established through amendments to the law on public holidays adopted by the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan in 2011. As a result, 1 December was officially recognized as Founding President’s Day. In some sources, the day is also referred to as First President’s Day.^【1】

Historical Background

On 1 December 1991, Nursultan Nazarbayev, the sole candidate in Kazakhstan’s first presidential election, was elected president by a majority of 98.7%^【2】 of the popular vote and assumed office as the independent nation’s first head of state. This election was one of the key steps in Kazakhstan’s declaration of sovereignty following its separation from the Soviet Union.

Nazarbayev played a central role in the post-independence transformation of the country’s economic and political systems, the establishment of market mechanisms, the modernization of state institutions, and the definition of new directions in foreign policy. These processes were carried out within the framework of a three-phase state modernization program. Nazarbayev governed the country for 28 years and stepped down from office on 19 March 2019.

Adoption and Official Status

In accordance with a decision adopted by the Parliament of Kazakhstan in 2011, 1 December was declared an official public holiday and has been celebrated nationwide as Founding President’s Day since 2012.

The decision was grounded in the symbolic importance of the 1 December 1991 elections for the political foundation of the state. The purpose of the day is to recognize “the contributions of the country’s first president to the establishment of the state.”

Celebrations and Events

On 1 December, various cultural programs, official ceremonies, conferences, concerts, and exhibitions are held throughout the country. A flag-raising ceremony takes place in front of the Presidential Palace, alongside museum events and public celebrations in city centers.

In some years, commemorative banknotes featuring Nazarbayev’s portrait have been distributed, gifts have been presented to newborn babies, and special events promoting national cultural values have been organized nationwide.

In addition, the national anthem is performed during ceremonies, and the president and senior officials address the public. Fireworks displays held in the capital, Astana (formerly Nur Sultan), are also part of the celebrations.

International Messages and Institutional Contributions

Each year, the Organization of Turkic States issues congratulatory messages on the occasion of Founding President’s Day. These messages highlight Nazarbayev’s efforts to strengthen cooperation within the Turkic world, as well as his contributions to regional diplomacy and multilateral relations.

Significance of the Day

Founding President’s Day:

• Recalls a pivotal political process at the beginning of Kazakhstan’s independence era.
• Recognizes the role of the first president in the modernization of state governance, the implementation of economic reforms, and the institutionalization of national identity.
• Is associated with national unity, stability, development goals, and the creation of a modern state structure within the country.