Tokayev Marks End of Kazakhstan's Bicameral Parliament Ahead of Historic Constitutional Shift

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 30 marked the final session of the country's bicameral parliament, framing the constitutional overhaul as a new stage in political modernization and closing a three-decade institutional chapter. The special session took place in Astana, where Tokayev announced that a new constitution would take effect on July 1, replacing the Senate and the Mazhilis with a unicameral legislature called the Kurultai. This change terminates the powers of the parliament formed under the 1995 Constitution, with elections for the Kurultai scheduled for August.

Tokayev emphasized that the Kurultai will be the most important symbol of the new Kazakhstan, reflecting the effectiveness of the country's reforms. He stated that he would soon sign a decree calling for elections to the Kurultai and urged citizens to actively participate in what he described as a decisive political campaign. "The Kurultai is the most important symbol of new Kazakhstan. Therefore, it must include true patriots, proactive individuals with a strong sense of statehood, in other words, the best of the best. It is by the work of the Kurultai that people will judge how effective the reforms have been," Tokayev said.

Tokayev also welcomed the merger of Amanat, the long-dominant ruling party formerly known as Nur Otan, into the newly established Adilet party, calling it a historic milestone. "The upcoming elections must become an example of open, honest and fair political competition," he added. This merger marks a significant shift in Kazakhstan's political landscape, moving away from a single-party dominance towards a more competitive multiparty system.

Under the new constitution, the Kurultai will consist of 145 deputies elected through proportional representation in a single nationwide electoral district, with a five-year term. According to Article 69 of the new constitution, the government will relinquish its powers before the newly elected Kurultai. This restructuring aims to redefine the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches, promoting greater accountability and efficiency.

In a national referendum held on March 15, 87.15% of Kazakh citizens approved the new constitution. Besides the unicameral parliament, the changes also include the establishment of the Halyk Kenesi (People's Council) and the creation of the vice presidency. The vice president will be first in line to assume the powers of head of state in the event of the president's early resignation or inability to perform duties. These reforms are designed to make Kazakhstan's political system more inclusive and stable, paving the way for a new era of governance.