A meeting of the "Ulttyk Mudde" dialogue platform, titled "Political Modernization: The Constitutional Model of a Just Kazakhstan," was held today in the Senate. During the transition to a new stage of statehood development, the participants discussed the rationale and content of constitutional reform, its role in renewing the political system, and the formation of a new model of government.
Welcoming the participants, Senate Chairman Maulen Ashimbayev noted that the large-scale constitutional reforms initiated by the Head of State reflect the country's transition to a new stage of statehood development and are driven by public demand for a renewed political system. He emphasized that these reforms are not isolated changes, but rather a profound rethinking of the content and principles of the state model.
"During a recent meeting of the National Kurultai, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev announced large-scale constitutional reforms. The Head of State noted that if these changes receive public support, a new stage in the development of the state system will begin in the country. "This is not simply a matter of introducing targeted amendments and additions. It is a profound renewal of the political system by adapting it to the realities and challenges of the modern world. Therefore, at such a crucial moment, it is important to strengthen unity and jointly implement the reforms proposed by the Head of State," Maulen Ashimbayev said in his speech.
The Senate Speaker noted that the constitutional reform being carried out in the country is comprehensive and systemic in nature and goes beyond individual parliamentary amendments, affecting the Constitution as a whole. According to him, approximately 80 provisions of the country's Basic Law are planned to be updated, accounting for approximately 84% of its content. He emphasized that an important area of the reform is transformation, which entails expanding the powers and strengthening the role of the country's highest legislative body, streamlining the legislative process, increasing the independence of deputies, as well as developing the party system and strengthening political competition.
The Senate Speaker also noted that the reform proposes creating a People's Council as an institution for public accord and dialogue between the state and society. He stated that discussions of ideology, values, and national unity within this forum, as well as granting the Council the right to initiate legislation, will give it a meaningful character. The proposed key changes also include the introduction of the position of Vice President and an update to the Preamble of the Constitution to reflect the historical continuity of statehood and enshrine the building of a Just Kazakhstan as the highest goal.
"Kazakhstan is undergoing a period of national renewal. At this historical moment, representatives of the intelligentsia and opinion leaders play a special role. It is now crucial to accurately convey to society the essence of the large-scale reforms proposed by the Head of State. At such a crucial time, issues of further strengthening national unity are even more pressing. Significant responsibility also rests with representatives of the intelligentsia and the expert community in terms of consolidating society. The ultimate goal of political renewal is to strengthen the country's statehood and independence. "This is a stage in the transition to a new constitutional model as part of building a Just Kazakhstan. I am confident in the successful implementation of constitutional reforms and the active participation of representatives of the intelligentsia and expert community in this common cause," Maulen Ashimbayev concluded.
Along with senators, the expert discussion at the "Ulttyk Mudde" dialogue platform included philologist and public figure Koishygara Salgaraly, professor at the L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University Zhamaladen Ibragimov, director of the El Tarihy research center Erlan Sailaubay, general director of Kazak Gazetteri LLP Dikhan Kamzabekly, head of the Institute of Parliamentarism Center Sholpan Saimov, associate professor at the Nazarbayev University Higher School of Public Policy Serik Orazgaliyev, and others.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
