Hundreds arrested after opposition supporters urged boycott of ‘fixed election’ at protests across the country.

The former president’s hand-picked successor is all but certain to win this weekend’s election. And even in retirement, his 78-year-old predecessor will continue to pull the strings.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev assumed the presidency last month in line with the constitution when Nursultan Nazarbayev resigned after running the former Soviet republic for almost three decades.

Leader for nearly 30 years Nursultan Nazarbayev stepped down in March and called for vote next year, but interim president now says it will be in two months.

The protests were organised by opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov

There is speculation that she may succeed her father as president

The surprise resignation of Kazakhstan’s president after three decades in power appeared to be the first step in a choreographed political transition that will see him retain considerable sway.

In shock announcement, Nazarbayev said remainder of his presidency will be served by chairman of the senate, loyalist Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.