Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament, Maulen Ashimbayev, took part in a joint meeting of the Chambers of Parliament, at which the draft constitutional laws "On the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan", "On the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of its Deputies" and "On Amendments and Supplements to the Constitutional Law "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan" were considered.
The quality of the constitutional reform's implementation, as noted during a joint session of the Chambers of Parliament, directly depends on aligning the legislative framework with the updated Basic Law, which comes into force on July 1, 2026. The Head of State has repeatedly emphasized that these laws should become the mechanism for the practical implementation of reforms, providing the legal basis for the new state model.
The first item on the meeting's agenda was the draft law "On the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan," which, as Senator Andrei Lukin noted in his report, enshrines the transition from a model of direct governance to strategic coordination, ensuring balance among all branches of government and their accountability to the people. The document establishes a new system of political checks and balances that strengthens the stability of the state apparatus and creates a reliable legal basis for the country's further comprehensive modernization. This step, in turn, legally enshrines the role of the Head of State as the guarantor of coordinated interaction between government agencies in the interests of citizens.
"As is well known, it was at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev that the process of constitutional transformation was launched, aimed at building a Fair Kazakhstan, strengthening political competition, expanding citizen participation in government, and fostering a new political culture of responsibility and accountability of the government to society. At the same time, the new Constitution reflects the key principles of the new political course. These fundamental changes and the new Basic Law were directly supported by the people of Kazakhstan through the mechanism of direct expression of will, confirming nationwide support for the reforms implemented by the President," the senator noted.
He also emphasized that the draft constitutional law "On the President" reflects the key provisions of the country's new Constitution. Specifically, the provisions on a single seven-year term, non-partisanship for the President, and restrictions on his close relatives serve as political guarantees for the formation of a more open and competitive political system.
In this regard, the senator paid particular attention to the introduction of new powers for the President to ensure the functioning of the Kazakh National Assembly, including the approval of its composition and the development of its organizational infrastructure. Overall, the provisions of the bill are aimed at strengthening trust in the government and establishing a predictable and sustainable model of public administration.
During the discussion of the draft law "On the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of its Deputies," Senator Galiaskar Sarybayev emphasized the document's importance in shaping a new institutional model of representative government. The bill systematically regulates the status of deputies, their powers, guarantees, and accountability to society.
"The draft clearly defines Kurultai’s responsibilities. Specifically, it provides mechanisms for legislative activity, approving the report on the execution of the republican budget, and overseeing the executive branch. The draft law covers several aspects. They form the legal basis for ensuring the full functioning of the new unicameral legislative body; increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the legislative process; and strengthening public trust in state institutions," said Senator Galiaskar Sarybayev.
The organization of the Kurultai's internal service is also detailed, including the procedure for holding meetings, making decisions, and forming working bodies.
Senator Nurlan Beknazarov called the draft law "On Amendments and Supplements to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan 'On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan'" an important step toward strengthening democratic institutions in the country, ensuring citizens' political rights, and increasing public confidence in the electoral system.
As Senator Nurlan Beknazarov noted, the amendments affect the very foundation of the electoral process.
"The requirements for members of election commissions have been tightened. Raising funds outside of election funds and accepting other financial assistance are strictly prohibited. Violating these requirements will result in appropriate penalties. These regulations reduce corruption risks and create conditions for equal and fair competition for all candidates. A separate set of amendments is aimed at legally streamlining election campaigning, including through online platforms. These amendments will be particularly relevant given the increasing influence of digital communications on electoral processes and will ensure the fairness of the election campaign," noted Nurlan Beknazarov, outlining the key changes.
Procedural aspects such as vote counting, protocol preparation, and signature collection are also being clarified. A ban on the simultaneous nomination of candidates in multiple constituencies is being introduced to avoid distortions and duplication.
Overall, the proposed amendments, along with specifying election procedures and tightening requirements for electoral participants, improve the procedure for conducting election campaigning, including through online platforms and online debates, and regulate the activities of election commissions at the systemic level.
Senators Darkhan Kydyrali, Zhanna Asanova, Murat Kadyrbek, and others also spoke during the joint session of the Chambers of Parliament.
(Press Office of the Senate, 74-72-27. Photo by: N.Baibullin)
