Foreign experts describe the transition to a unicameral Parliament, proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in his state-of-the-nation address, as a logical continuation of the country’s chosen course toward modernizing its political system. According to Alberto Turkstra, Project Director at the authoritative international magazine Diplomatic World, such a format would accelerate the legislative process and make it more transparent. Moreover, it would strengthen political institutions and increase civic engagement. As an example, Turkstra points to the successful experience of New Zealand, which abolished its upper chamber in the mid-20th century. Over the decades, this step has proven its effectiveness. The analyst notes that the reform enhanced citizens’ trust in state institutions, since all responsibility is concentrated in a single body.
«This builds on some of the reforms that have been
going on in the past few years such as the easing of the registration process
for new political parties. This is also something we have seen building up in
Kazakhstan with this reestablishment of the Constitutional Court and with the
strengthening of civil society, and I think this is the natural process that
will culminate in the establishment of a unicameral system,» Turkstra said.
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