President to sign decree on holding elections to the Kurultai

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced that following the enactment of the new Constitution, he will sign a series of key documents, including a decree to hold elections for the Kurultai—Kazakhstan's new unicameral Parliament. According to the President, the upcoming political campaign must be conducted under conditions of open, honest, and fair competition.

Speaking at a joint session of the houses of Parliament, the Head of State outlined the role the future Kurultai will play in the country's political system.

"As the supreme legislative body, the Kurultai must ensure continuity across all sectors and institutional stability. It must preserve traditions over many years and foster a unique culture of parliamentarism—not letting it erode, but on the contrary, placing special emphasis on its further development," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.

According to the President, the primary objective of the new representative body will be the construction of a Just Kazakhstan.

"The supreme representative body of our country—the Kurultai—pursues a central goal: building a Just Kazakhstan that provides equal opportunities for all, and actively working toward this end," the Head of State added.

He expressed confidence that the new body would help strengthen key social values.

"I am confident that the unicameral representative body will successfully fulfill its legislative mission, fully contributing to the entrenchment of such steadfast values as order, industriousness, integrity, and justice in our society," Tokayev said.

The President also noted that once the new Constitution takes effect, he will sign the decree to hold the elections.

"Distinguished deputies, the legal enactment of the new Constitution is a historic event. The approved Basic Law paves the way for a stage of large-scale socio-political transformations. In this regard, I am signing several important documents, including a special decree on holding elections to the Kurultai," Tokayev said.

He stated that the elections must be competitive and transparent.

"In accordance with this, inter-party competition will receive a new impetus. As a constructive state, we are duty-bound to conduct this political campaign at a high level. The upcoming elections must take place in an environment of open, honest, and fair competition," the President emphasized.

The Head of State noted that citizens play a pivotal role in the ongoing reforms.

"The people of Kazakhstan are the main driving force behind the fundamental transformations taking place in society. Our citizens clearly demonstrate that they care about the country's future and possess the ability to make conscious choices at decisive moments," he said.

According to the President, the Kurultai should be composed of the most distinguished representatives of society.

"The Kurultai is a vital symbol of Kazakhstan's new format. Therefore, its membership must consist exclusively of the best representatives—true patriots, proactive citizens, and those committed to the state—as the people will judge the effectiveness of the reforms directly by the results of this Kurultai's activities," Tokayev said.

In conclusion, Tokayev thanked the deputies of the Senate and the Mazhilis for their work and expressed confidence that many of them would continue to serve the country in a new capacity.

"This new stage is a time of new opportunities. I believe that some deputies will join the Kurultai and continue to work for the benefit of the country. I consider the presence of qualified citizens such as yourselves essential in the People's Council of Kazakhstan as well. I am certain that in the coming period, you will be at the heart of implementing these vital initiatives," the Head of State said.

Photo by the Akorda press service

As a reminder: the final joint session of the parliamentary chambers in history was held in Astana. Previously, the Mazhilis and the Senate held their final individual plenary sessions. Elections for the Kurultai—the unicameral Parliament expected to begin its work this autumn—will be held in Kazakhstan this August.