ASTANA – The first session of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai of the first convocation began on Aug. 28, marking the start of work of the country’s new unicameral legislature. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said the launch of the Kurultai marks the beginning of a new stage in Kazakhstan’s political development.
“The unicameral legislative body of the country, the Kurultai, officially begins its work. This means that from this day the process of renewing the state’s political system begins,” Tokayev said. He said the new institution should play a special role at this stage of Kazakhstan’s development and “give a powerful impetus to the work of the entire state apparatus.” The new Kurultai brings together representatives of business, public administration, education and science, media, medicine, law, agriculture and the public sector, including entrepreneurs, lawyers, academics, journalists, doctors and civil society representatives.
Several deputies also have previous parliamentary experience, having served in the Mazhilis or Senate. “Being a deputy of the Kurultai of the first convocation is, above all, a special and, without exaggeration, a happy moment. I am confident that you will serve the country with dignity, fully living up to the high authority entrusted to you,” Tokayev said.
The legislature consists of 145 deputies elected for five years through party lists. The Central Election Commission registered all elected deputies on Aug. 27. The first session follows the Aug. 23 elections, held under Kazakhstan’s new constitutional framework and resulting in the formation of the country’s new unicameral legislature.