Abstract. Following the results of the regular elections to the Mazhilis in January 2021, the ruling Nur Otan party retained its leadership in the lower house of parliament. However, the other two parties, which broke the 7% barrier, strengthened their positions, gaining several new seats. A feature of the 2021 elections was that they were held taking into account a certain liberalization of the country's electoral system. In particular, the constitutional rights of the Mazhilis which received the right to approve the new government were expanded, the institution of parliamentary opposition was legislated, and a 30% quota for women and youth was introduced. In addition, the ruling party introduced the practice of primaries for the first time.