After the failed August coup of 1991, the Kazakh leadership has been slow to decide on full independence. But on 1 December 1991, the Kazakh voters, following the example of other republics, a moribund Soviet Union, by direct vote of the newly elected N. Nazarbayev President of the Republic. And only after the signing by leaders of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus Belavezha accords December 16, 1991. The Supreme Council of the Kazakh SSR declared independence and adopted a new name of their country – the Republic of Kazakhstan
