Pathways to the institutionalization of the party system under a hybrid regime: the case of Kazakhstan

The relevance of this study is determined by the growing significance of party system institutionalization as a factor contributing either to democratization or to the consolidation of authoritarian rule within hybrid regimes. This research aims to identify the main pathways as well as to uncover structural constraints impeding this process. The analysis reveals that the development of Kazakhstan's party system since 1991 has followed a cyclical trajectory, alternating between phases of formal liberalization and actual power consolidation. Although the party system demonstrates a high degree of procedural formalization, this should not be equated with substantive institutionalization, since party autonomy, public legitimacy, and genuine competitiveness remain limited. The reforms introduced between 2022 and 2025, although they weakened certain administrative barriers, did not alter the structural balance of political forces. The findings may be used to assess the level of institutionalization of party systems in hybrid regimes, monitor political reforms, and improve electoral and party legislation.