Size, terms, elections: Kazakhstan debates all aspects of the new Parliament

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has discussed key approaches to the constitutional reform with a working group, citing Akorda.

A meeting of the working group on parliamentary reform was held in Astana with the participation of the Head of State.

At the beginning of the meeting, State Counselor Erlan Karin briefed the President on the work of the group, noting the significant scope of proposed constitutional changes related to the transformation of Parliament.

“The State Counselor presented the overall vision of the working group members, emphasizing that the proposed changes are aimed at modernizing the political system in line with current demands. Presidential Aide for Legal Affairs Erzhan Zhiyenbayev outlined the key approaches to constitutional reform developed by the group based on proposals submitted by citizens,” Akorda said in a statement.

In particular, since October last year, the working group has reviewed a wide range of issues related to the future unicameral Parliament, including its size, term of office, election procedures, lawmaking mechanisms, as well as interaction with other branches of government.

The Director of the Institute of Parliamentarism, Natalya Pan, reported on proposals submitted by citizens, experts, and public organizations through the e-Otinish and eGov platforms.

Over the course of several months, all seven political parties, dozens of non-governmental organizations, business representatives, legal scholars, and experts have submitted their initiatives on constitutional reform.

In addition to proposals specifically related to parliamentary reform, the working group received around 1,600 appeals from citizens addressing broader constitutional issues and the improvement of political and public institutions.

Summing up the meeting, President Tokayev noted that nearly six months have passed since discussions on constitutional reform began. During this time, society has developed a clear understanding of the goals and objectives of the upcoming transformation of the country’s highest legislative body.

The President emphasized that he closely follows public discussions that have unfolded since his September Address to the Nation.

According to Akorda, Tokayev is thoroughly reviewing the outcomes of public debates, expert assessments, draft amendments, and numerous citizen proposals related to constitutional reform.

Earlier, President Tokayev stressed the importance of taking into account all expressed opinions and initiatives. He also stated that the final decision on constitutional reform will be made by the citizens of Kazakhstan through a nationwide referendum.