The fifth meeting of the National Kurultai (Congress) was held in Kyzylorda under the chairmanship of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The President elaborated on the parliamentary reform and proposed naming the unicameral Parliament «Kurultai». He emphasized that the body should be composed of genuine patriots and highly qualified professionals, with the total number of members set at 145. Members will be elected under a proportional representation system, which will strengthen the institutional role of political parties and increase their accountability to society. The new Parliament will be elected for a five-year term and is expected to provide maximum legislative support for large-scale reforms in the country.
«A three-stage procedure for passing laws has been proposed. Members of Parliament would first approve a bill in principle, then consider amendments, and finally adopt the law. In this way, political reforms previously implemented through a radical reorganization of parliamentary activity will be continued. By strengthening the institutional foundations of the state, a stable political system will be created in line with the principle ‘Strong President - Influential Parliament - Accountable Government,’» Tokayev said.
The President also proposed establishing a new institution – Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan). It would combine the functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai, contributing to the steady strengthening of Kazakh statehood and independence. The new body will represent all ethnic groups, population segments, and regions of the country. The People’s Council would hold the status of the nation’s highest consultative body. It is proposed that it include 126 members, with equal representation from ethnocultural associations, major public organizations, maslikhats, and regional public councils.
«The Khalyk Kenesi should be granted the right of legislative initiative, which will significantly strengthen its status. Its highest body will be a session convened at least once a year. The Council will take on the core functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in promoting interethnic and interfaith harmony. At the same time, it will focus on developing proposals to improve domestic policy, and on promoting and explaining matters related to state ideology, the Constitution, and other key national documents,» Tokayev added.
President Tokayev has proposed establishing the
institution of the Vice President in Kazakhstan. He would be appointed by the
Head of State with the consent of Parliament by a majority vote. The scope of
powers would be determined by the President himself. It is expected that the
Vice President would represent Kazakhstan at international forums and in
negotiations with foreign delegations, the President’s interests in Parliament,
and engage with domestic and foreign socio-political, scientific, as well as
cultural and educational organizations. The new position could be enshrined in
the Constitution, while the post of State Counsellor may be abolished. Overall,
as noted by the Head of State, the upcoming constitutional changes are
comparable in scale to the adoption of a new Constitution. Initially, it was
planned to amend around 40 articles of the Basic Law; however, in the course of
work it became clear that significantly more amendments would be required. As a
result, President Tokayev decided to establish a Constitutional commission
comprising more than 100 experts. Following its work, the date of a nationwide
referendum will be announced.
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