Senate Speaker Maulen Ashimbayev met with maslikhat (parliament) deputies, representatives of the public, ethnocultural associations, and youth in Almaty. Key aspects of the draft new Constitution and the objectives of joint work on the upcoming referendum were discussed.
Welcoming the participants of the expert meeting, Maulen Ashimbayev noted that the large-scale reforms initiated by the Head of State have naturally led to the need for constitutional reform. This course is based on the principles of justice, the rule of law, and the government's accountability to society.
"At the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev, comprehensive reforms are being implemented in all areas. Constitutional reform is a logical and consistent continuation of systemic changes. In accordance with the Decree of the Head of State, the draft new Constitution has been submitted to a nationwide vote. The referendum, scheduled for March 15, is an important step in the democratization of the country's political system. "The Basic Law aims to strengthen statehood and independence and improve the well-being of citizens. Therefore, the draft new Constitution centers on the principles of 'Law and Order,' the interests and rights of citizens, as well as the responsibility for respecting nature and pursuing sustainable development," the Senate Speaker noted in his speech.
Maulen Ashimbayev noted that the draft Basic Law enshrines the legal basis for implementing the idea of a Just Kazakhstan. The document provides clear guarantees for developing the country's intellectual potential and strengthening national unity. He cited its human-centeredness, clarity, and consolidating role as key characteristics of the new Constitution.
"The draft new Constitution is a conscious and deliberate departure from the inertia of the past and a transition to a modern model of government. At the same time, one of the key conceptual changes to the Basic Law is the affirmation of human rights and freedoms as the highest value of the state. In the new Constitution, these rights and freedoms form the foundation of the entire system of government." "This is the practical embodiment of the idea of a Just Kazakhstan, enshrined not in declarations but in specific constitutional norms," the Senate Chairman emphasized.
As Maulen Ashimbayev noted, the draft new Constitution is a historic document that should be viewed as a transition to a new model of social contract and a timely response to internal demands and external challenges. He also noted in this regard the importance of expert support for constitutional reform, including the translation of constitutional ideas into practical mechanisms, future laws, and law enforcement practices.
"The draft new Constitution lays out a state and political framework designed to ensure the stable, secure, and progressive development of Kazakhstan in the coming years. This is an important step toward creating a system capable of adequately responding to current and future challenges, as well as global objectives. At this stage, we must focus on the most important thing—strengthening sovereignty, independence, and the well-being of citizens, and creating the conditions for the country's powerful development, so that Kazakhstan can take its rightful place in the modern global economy and politics," the Senate Chairman concluded.
During a discussion of key aspects of the upcoming referendum on the new Constitution, representatives of the expert community and analytical organizations expressed their ideas and proposals for joint work and exchanged views on a number of pressing issues.
Furthermore, as part of his visit, the Senate Speaker inspected the facilities of the Abai Republican School, including the UN office and museum, and met with the city library staff and representatives of the city's active youth. The senators also visited the Yandex Qazaqstan office. During the conversation, they discussed the further development of digitalization processes in Kazakhstan.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
