Nursultan nazarbayev in honour change which capital
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Kazakhstan has renamed its capital Astana to Nursultan to honour outgoing leader Nursultan Nazarbayev, who unexpectedly resigned on Tuesday.
The change was announced after Kassym-Jomart Tokayev was sworn in as president, promising to seek his predecessor's opinion on key decisions.
Mr Nazarbayev, 78, served nearly 30 years as leader of the oil-rich nation.
Meanwhile, his eldest daughter has been elected speaker of the upper house of parliament.
Dariga Nazarbayeva's promotion to the second most powerful position in the country raises her profile as a potential successor.
Her father, who is head of the governing party, will remain at the helm of the influential security council and will hold the formal title Leader of the Nation.
Analysts say it is too early to say who is going to run or to declare potential favourites in next year's election. Mr Tokayev and current Prime Minister Askar Mamin are also seen as possible contenders.
New president, new name for capital
Mr Tokayev was sworn in as president some 24 hours after Mr Nazarbayev's surprise resignation . He will serve for the remainder of the presidential term which expires in April 2020.