This summer, Kazakhstan is set to replace its current Parliament with a unicameral Kurultai. During a joint session of both chambers, deputies approved in the first reading draft constitutional laws, including legislation on the Kurultai. The new legislative body will consist of 145 members elected under a proportional system for a five-year term. Parliamentarians note that consideration of bills in a unicameral Kurultai may become more detailed, potentially including a mandatory third reading. Mazhilis member Yekaterina Smyshlyayeva emphasized that before the end of the current political season, particular focus should be placed on legislation concerning digitalization, road safety, personal data protection, and cybersecurity.
«We are introducing amendments to a number of laws in connection with the Digital Code coming into force in July. This is the fundamental document underpinning all digital law and digital regulation. In addition, in accordance with the President’s decree on strengthening cybersecurity, responsibilities related to critical digital infrastructure are being redistributed,» Smyshlyayeva said.
Mazhilis member Yerkin Abil believes that the transition to the Kurultai marks a profound transformation of Kazakhstan’s political system. He notes that not only will the format of legislative work change, but also the structure of the executive branch itself. This involves new mechanisms for interaction between state institutions.
«We have adopted amendments to the Tax Code and still
have a number of other draft laws, as well as several ratification bills, that
we must consider. The structure of the executive branch is also changing with
the introduction of the position of vice president. Accordingly, I think one of
the Kurultai’s first decisions will be whether to approve the proposed
candidate for vice president,» Abil said.
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