Tokayev: Unicameral Parliament may be established in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – A unicameral Parliament may be established in Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced during his Address to the Nation.

“I personally had the honor of leading the Senate for ten years, and I have always regarded this work as a great privilege and responsibility. That’s why it is not easy for me to speak about parliamentary reform from this podium. Nevertheless, today I propose that in the foreseeable future, Kazakhstan consider creating a unicameral Parliament,” Tokayev stated.

The President emphasized that this is a very serious matter, and that any rush in making such a decision would be inappropriate.

Tokayev noted that reform is a continuous process, and will be developed in response to real public demand:

“In our country, the issue of parliamentary reform has been discussed both openly and behind the scenes for at least two decades — there is no secret about it. And its relevance remains to this day.

Therefore, taking into account the development of our state system and the increased level of political culture among citizens, I believe it is possible to submit this extremely important issue for public discussion,” said the President.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the Senate, as the upper chamber of Kazakhstan’s Parliament, was established in 1995 under difficult and unstable political conditions, at a time when the country had just begun its challenging path toward building the foundations of the state.

“Over the past thirty years, the Senate has carried out with dignity and efficiency its historic mission of ensuring stability in state-building. The upper chamber has been and remains a crucial mechanism and guarantor for the legislative process and other key reforms,” Tokayev emphasized.

Parliament of Kazakhstan

The Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the highest representative body of the country.

It was established in 1995, based on the Constitution, and consists of two chambers:

• Senate (Upper Chamber) – Formed by deputies elected indirectly through local representative bodies (maslikhats), and also appointed by the President. It represents regional interests and ensures the balance of powers.
• Mazhilis (Lower Chamber) – Deputies are elected by popular vote; this is the main legislative body responsible for passing laws.

Each chamber has its own Chairperson. Throughout the Parliament’s history, about six different Chairpersons have served in each chamber.