Kazakhstan proposes constitutional reforms ahead of unicameral parliament

Kazakhstan held the inaugural session of its Constitutional Reform Commission in Astana, marking the formal start of work on proposed amendments that could fundamentally reshape the country’s political system.

The proposed reforms include transitioning to a unicameral parliament to be called the Kurultai, establishing a vice presidency, creating the Halyk Kenesi (People’s Council) with legislative initiative powers, and implementing broader institutional and human rights measures, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

The commission, chaired by Constitutional Court Chair Elvira Azimova and composed of senior officials, lawmakers, and civil society representatives, follows months of public consultation after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a new political reform agenda in his Sept. 8 address to the nation.

“The final decision on constitutional reform will be made by the citizens of the country at a nationwide referendum,” said State Counselor Erlan Karin, emphasizing that public involvement will be central to the process.

According to Karin, seven political parties and 16 public organizations submitted proposals over six months of consultations. The working group convened six meetings to discuss the structure of parliament, term lengths, the number of deputies, electoral quotas, legislative authority, and the interaction among branches of government.

Azimova noted that more than 2,000 proposals were received from citizens, prompting the formation of an expanded constitutional commission to conduct a thorough legal review.

“Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of political modernization. The head of state clearly stated that further development is impossible without strengthening institutional balance, increasing the effectiveness of legislative power, enhancing the system of checks and balances, and updating constitutional mechanisms for public participation in governance,” Azimova said. She described the commission’s mandate as preserving the constitutional foundations of the country while adapting them to modern challenges.

A central element of the proposed reforms is the transition to a unicameral parliament, to be called the Kurultai — a historical term referring to assemblies traditionally convened across the Turkic steppe.

Under the proposal, the Kurultai would consist of 145 deputies elected through a fully proportional system, with seats allocated according to parties’ share of the national vote. Deputies would serve five-year terms.

“The new Kurultai, endowed with new powers and a special name, testifies to the deep roots of parliamentarism on Kazakh soil,” Karin said.

The reforms also propose establishing the office of vice president, which would replace the current state counselor role. The vice president would be appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai and could be dismissed by the President. The officeholder would represent Kazakhstan internationally on behalf of the President and act as a liaison with Parliament, the government, and other state bodies. The vice president would be prohibited from engaging in business activities, holding other paid positions, or belonging to a political party.

Another significant reform is the creation of the Halyk Kenesi (People’s Council), a high-level consultative body appointed by the President and granted the right of legislative initiative — formally introducing draft laws for parliamentary consideration. Its mandate would include developing recommendations on domestic policy, strengthening national unity, and promoting state principles and national values.

The council’s structure, composition, and procedures would be regulated by a separate constitutional law. Its highest body would convene at least once a year and, like the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai, would not function as a permanent institution.

Beyond institutional restructuring, discussions have also encompassed revisions to the constitutional preamble, governance mechanisms, and the protection of fundamental rights. Additional proposals are under review as the commission continues its work.

By Vafa Guliyeva