“I will be perfectly frank”: Tokayev outlines idea behind Parliament reform

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev shared details of his proposed reform of Kazakhstan’s parliamentary system during a meeting with participants of the international forum on constitutional justice “Peace and the Future through Law”, the Akorda press service reported.

The meeting was attended by Venice Commission President Claire Bazy Malaurie, UAE Federal Supreme Court Chairman Mohammed Hamad Mohammed Al Badi Al Zahri, Chair of the Conference of Constitutional Jurisdictions of Africa Luke Malaba, and Chairman of Mongolia’s Constitutional Court Bayasgalan Gungaa.

Tokayev thanked the guests for their visit and emphasized the role of the Venice Commission and other countries’ constitutional practices as “important benchmarks for the development of democratic institutions and sustainable guarantees of human rights.”

He noted that amendments to Kazakhstan’s Constitution have strengthened representative bodies, human rights institutions, and accountability of the executive branch. The re-established Constitutional Court, he added, has significantly expanded access to justice.

The President also stressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to modernization, innovation, and digital transformation.

“The key goal is to transform Kazakhstan into a technologically advanced nation. That is why the wide use of artificial intelligence and full-scale digitalization have become our new national idea,” Tokayev said.

Addressing the parliamentary reform, Tokayev stated:

“I will be perfectly frank: the essence of the reform is to further strengthen the institutional foundation of our political system. The establishment of a parliamentary republic is not on the agenda. Our defining model of ‘A Strong President – An Influential Parliament – An Accountable Government’ remains unchanged. Proposing a national referendum once again demonstrates the permanence of this principle. We must only take consolidated decisions on matters concerning the future of the country.”

Foreign participants praised Kazakhstan’s political and institutional reforms. Claire Bazy Malaurie highlighted Kazakhstan’s active role as a Council of Europe partner, while Luke Malaba noted Africa’s keen interest in Kazakhstan’s transformations. Mongolia’s Bayasgalan Gungaa said Tokayev’s 2023 visit to Mongolia gave new impetus to bilateral cooperation.

Tokayev concluded by expressing hope for continued collaboration between constitutional oversight bodies and wished success to the forum’s participants.