Kazakhstan President Tokayev Outlines Hopes for New Kurultai Deputies

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has voiced significant expectations for the newly established Kurultai, the nation's unicameral parliamentary body, following the election of its deputies. He highlighted the historical importance of this unique parliamentary mechanism, expressing optimism about the emergence of "new faces" and "new ideas."

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New faces have emerged, new ideas have emerged. I have always advocated giving young people the opportunity to speak out and take a direct part in building our state.

Tokayev stressed the qualities he expects from Kurultai deputies, emphasizing accountability. He stated that deputies must be responsible for the quality of the laws they enact, diligently fulfill their campaign promises or developed programs, and ensure that legislation is specifically aimed at the country's development. "These are difficult times," Tokayev remarked, underscoring the need for national unity to propel Kazakhstan forward as a progressive and modern state.

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As for the qualities of deputies, I hope that, first of all, they will be responsible for the quality of laws. Second, they will be responsible for fulfilling the promises made or the programs developed. Third, of course, these should be laws aimed specifically at the country’s development.

The president's remarks came as Kazakhstan held its tenth parliamentary elections, marking the first since the adoption of a new constitution. This constitutional change has led to the dissolution of the former bicameral parliament, consisting of the Mazhilis and Senate, and its replacement with the single-chamber Kurultai. The new legislative body will comprise 145 deputies serving five-year terms.

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These are difficult times. I have just said that we have no other Motherland, no other Fatherland, apart from Kazakhstan. We must all unite in order to make Kazakhstan a progressive state, a modern state.

Under the new system, the entire legislative process will be consolidated within the Kurultai. Deputies will have the authority to reject draft laws outright with a majority vote, returning them to the initiators. Following the election, the Kurultai will proceed to approve the candidacies for its chairperson and three deputy chairpersons. Subsequently, the current government is expected to resign before the newly formed parliament.

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Without exaggeration, it can be said that this is a very progressive, well-structured Fundamental Law. I am confident that the Constitution will open bright prospects for all of us and, above all, for young people.