Kazakhstan announces August 23 election date for new unicameral Parliament

Kazakhstan is preparing to elect its new unicameral Parliament, the Kurultai, with elections officially scheduled for August 23, 2026. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the decree to hold these elections, marking a significant step in the country's constitutional reform.

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Elections of deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall be held on August 23, 2026.

The establishment of the Kurultai follows the implementation of a new constitution on July 1, 2026, which was approved by citizens in a national referendum on March 15. This constitutional overhaul led to the dissolution of the former bicameral Parliament, comprising the Mazhilis and the Senate.

President Tokayev had announced the parliamentary reform in September 2025, proposing a transition to a unicameral system. The reforms were extensive, leading the President to describe the new constitution as fundamentally reshaping the country's governance. The process involved a working group that drafted constitutional amendments, culminating in the nationwide referendum.

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The Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the akims of the capital, the regions, and the cities of republican significance, shall immediately take all necessary organizational, logistical, technical, and financial measures to ensure the conduct of the elections of deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

According to constitutional requirements, elections for the new Parliament must be called within one month of the constitution's adoption and held within two months. The Central Election Commission, along with government bodies and regional administrations, are tasked with organizing and executing the necessary logistical, technical, and financial measures to ensure the elections proceed smoothly.

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It was stated then that the Parliament would become unicameral, and the Senate and Mazhilis would be abolished.