Kazakh President Addresses Fifth Session of National Kurultai on Reforms

Parliamentary Reforms Proposed

• 💡 President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev chaired the fifth National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, where significant reforms were discussed.
• 🎯 A key proposal is to name the unicameral parliament "Kurultai," comprising 145 members elected via a proportional representation system.
• ✅ The new parliament, serving a five-year term, aims to provide maximum legislative support for reforms and enhance political parties' accountability.
• 🛠️ A three-stage procedure for passing laws was introduced: approval in principle, amendment consideration, and final adoption.

Establishing the People's Council

• 🚀 A new institution, the People's Council of Kazakhstan, is proposed to combine functions of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai.
• 📌 This council would serve as the nation's highest consultative body, representing all ethnic groups, population segments, and regions.
• 👥 Composed of 126 members with equal representation from various associations, it would be granted the right of legislative initiative.
• 🤝 Its core functions include promoting inter-ethnic and inter-faith harmony and developing proposals for domestic policy and state ideology.

Constitutional and Leadership Changes

• 💡 The President proposed establishing the institution of the Vice President in Kazakhstan, appointed by the head of state with parliamentary consent.
• 🌍 The Vice President would represent Kazakhstan internationally and engage with various socio-political, scientific, and cultural organizations.
• 📜 These constitutional changes are extensive, initially planning for 40 amendments but now requiring significantly more.
• 🗳️ A constitutional commission with over 100 experts has been established, with a nationwide referendum date to be announced following its work.