Aibek Dadebay has been elected Speaker of Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament, the Qurultay, following a secret ballot by deputies.

A total of 144 deputies backed Dadebay’s candidacy, while one ballot was declared invalid, Kazinform reports.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had earlier nominated Dadebay for the position, describing him as an experienced public servant and highlighting his education, patriotism and sense of responsibility.

Under Article 57 of Kazakhstan’s Constitution, the President nominates a candidate for Speaker from among the Qurultay deputies. The Speaker must be fluent in the state language and is elected by secret ballot with a majority of votes from the parliament’s full membership.