ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined a broad legislative and institutional agenda for Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai, calling on deputies to modernize national legislation, strengthen the quality of lawmaking and help build a stronger system of checks and balances.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlines key legislative and institutional priorities for Kazakhstan’s first Kurultai. Photo credit: Akorda Speaking at the opening session of the first Kurultai on Aug. 28, Tokayev said the new legislative body has received significantly broader powers under the New Constitution and will play an important role in shaping the country’s system of government.
“The beginning of the Kurultai’s activities gives a start to fundamental institutional changes in the system of public administration, since this body plays an important role in shaping the system of government,” he said. The Kurultai will participate in appointing Constitutional Court judges, members of the Central Election Commission, and the Supreme Audit Chamber.
Deputies will also have the authority to appoint and dismiss Supreme Court judges upon the President’s proposal, as well as address topics concerning the legal immunity of judges and deputies. According to Tokayev, these powers significantly expand the legislature’s influence.
“Thus, we have significantly strengthened the influence of the legislative body. This means strengthening the system of checks and balances between the branches of government,” he said. First Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Erlan Karin said the launch of the Kurultai marks a new stage in the country’s institutional transformation.
“Thus, President Tokayev’s reforms provide a real opportunity for many bright citizens and professionals in their fields to realize their potential,” Karin said in a Telegram post. “With the beginning of Kurultai’s work, a complete institutional reboot of the political system is beginning.
This will ensure the final transition to a new, more dynamic and open state-political model,” he added. Kurultai’s first major task is to update Kazakhstan’s legislation in line with the New Constitution. Tokayev instructed deputies to comprehensively review the existing regulatory framework and bring it into compliance with constitutional principles.
He also called for stronger scrutiny of draft laws to address legal gaps and ensure consistency between legislative provisions.