Tokayev on future vice president: “It will be a well-known person you all know”

Kazakhstan is on the cusp of significant political and structural changes, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announcing the imminent establishment of a vice president position. This move, part of broader constitutional reforms, is deemed "extremely necessary" by the president, especially in "these difficult times." Tokayev suggested that the identity of the new vice president, a "well-known figure whom you all know very well," would be revealed within the next week or ten days, emphasizing that it is too early to name the individual now.

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Indeed, this is a significant change. We deliberately established this new position in the Constitution. I would not be mistaken in saying that it is extremely necessary. In these difficult times, our country especially needs such a position.

The establishment of the vice presidency is a key component of the "historic transformations" and "large-scale modernization" Tokayev promised would continue through the end of this year and into the next. Alongside this, a new state body, the Kazakhstan People's Council, is set to commence its work. Tokayev views this council not merely as a successor to the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan but as a strengthened, multifunctional political mechanism poised to foster productive collaboration.

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I think it will be a well-known figure whom you all know very well.

President Tokayev also reiterated his vision of Kazakhstan becoming a major construction site. This entails implementing substantial projects in every regional center, district, and city, including new clinics, children's rehabilitation centers, and other social infrastructure. Astana, the capital, will see the development of significant facilities like a new bridge, the Palace of Dombra, and a Water Resources Research Center. The "Taza Kazakhstan" (Clean Kazakhstan) campaign will also continue consistently, urging citizens to unite and contribute to the nation's development.

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I believe the Kazakhstan People’s Council will strengthen and further develop the work previously carried out by the Assembly. It can be described as a new multifunctional political mechanism. I am confident that the work of the Kazakhstan People’s Council will be productive.

These developments follow Kazakhstan's recent parliamentary elections held on August 23rd. These elections marked the country's tenth parliamentary elections since 1991 and the first under the new Constitution, which replaced the bicameral Parliament (Mazhilis and Senate) with a unicameral body, the Kurultai. The Kurultai will comprise 145 deputies serving five-year terms, signaling a new era in Kazakhstan's legislative landscape.

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We therefore cannot sit idle. All of us, as one people, must get to work together. We have no other homeland but Kazakhstan, and each of us must contribute to its development.