Kazakstan’s President Tokayev proposes sweeping political reforms

On 20 January Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed a session of the National Kurultai (the National Assembly, an advisory and consultative body under the President of Kazakhstan), outlining a bold vision for the country’s evolving political system. He presented a set of constitutional amendments aimed at creating a “fundamentally new” governance framework, building on reforms initiated in 2022.

These proposals – set to be put to a national referendum – include transitioning to a unicameral parliament, establishing a vice presidential office, and forming a new consultative body called the Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council).

Speaking in the city of Kyzylorda in South-Central Kazakhstan, Tokayev described the changes as a logical evolution from the 1995 constitutional model, designed to enhance stability, clarity in governance, and long-term national resilience amid global uncertainties.

The centerpiece of the address was the proposed shift to a unicameral legislature named Quryltai (or Kurultai), a term with deep historical and cultural significance in Kazakh tradition. Elected for a five-year term via proportional representation, the new parliament would streamline operations with 145 seats, three deputy chairpersons, and no more than eight committees. This structure, Tokayev argued, would allow lawmakers to focus more effectively on priority development issues while maintaining an influential role in the political system.

To complement this, Tokayev suggested creating the Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council) to assume and expand functions currently held by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan. The Council would promote interethnic and interfaith harmony, develop domestic policy proposals, advance state ideology, and organize the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions. It would also gain the right of legislative initiative, giving it a more active role in shaping national priorities.

Another key innovation is the introduction of a vice presidential position, appointed by the president with parliamentary consent. The vice president would represent Kazakhstan internationally, collaborate with parliament, engage with domestic and foreign organizations, and carry out duties assigned by the head of state. Tokayev stressed that these amendments would not dilute presidential authority but rather clarify institutional roles and reinforce Kazakhstan’s status as a presidential republic.

On presidential succession, Tokayev proposed enshrining a clear rule: if a president’s term ends early, elections must be held within two months. He called this principle “fundamental and non-negotiable,” ensuring that any head of state assumes power exclusively through democratic elections.

Additional administrative adjustments include abolishing certain support structures within the current parliament, eliminating the post of State Counselor (currently held by Yerlan Karin), and reorganizing elements of the Presidential Administration to better align with practical governance needs.

Tokayev framed these reforms as the culmination of a multi-year transformation process, emphasizing that they would strengthen institutional balance, political competition, and public trust. He reiterated that the changes would be submitted for public approval via referendum, allowing citizens to decide on the future shape of the state.

Beyond domestic politics, the address touched on Kazakhstan’s foreign policy and economic priorities. As chair of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in 2026, Tokayev pledged to eliminate trade barriers and counter protectionism while safeguarding national interests – particularly in agriculture and food security. He expressed concern over subsidized imports harming local processing industries and called for balanced diplomacy in an era of declining global trust and rising militarization.

On digital transformation, Tokayev highlighted the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across sectors, warning that technology alone cannot compensate for ineffective governance. He stressed the need for modern management practices, streamlined processes, and infrastructure investments – such as data centres – to support a digital and energy-intensive economy.

The National Kurultai, a consultative platform established under Tokayev’s leadership, provided the setting for these announcements amid a broader context of Kazakhstan’s “New Kazakhstan” agenda. The proposals signal a continued effort to modernize institutions, redistribute powers, and adapt to contemporary challenges while preserving core presidential authority.

Analysts view the package as a significant step toward consolidating political modernisation, potentially leading to a comprehensive constitutional overhaul. If approved by referendum, the changes could redefine Kazakhstan’s legislative and executive landscape for years to come.

With Astana Times and agencies.

Caption: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev [C] made proposals that could redefine Kazakhstan’s legislative and executive landscape for years to come. Photo credit: Akorda.