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Kazakhstan will hold elections to its newly established unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, on August 23, according to a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and published by the Kazakh presidential press service. The decree, which entered into force immediately, instructs the Central Election Commission to organize the vote and directs the government and regional authorities to provide logistical support.

Coverage Comparison

The announcement follows the entry into force of a new constitution on July 1, which introduced significant changes to the country's governance system. According to TASS, the new constitution replaces the previous bicameral legislature—comprising the Majilis (lower house) and the Senate (upper house)—with a unicameral body called the Kurultai. The Kurultai has 145 seats, and its members will serve five-year terms. All deputies will be elected via a proportional system based on party lists, a shift from the previous system that also included single-mandate constituencies. Under the new constitution, the Kurultai must convene its first session within 30 days after election results are announced. Additionally, the government is required to resign before the newly elected Kurultai convenes, after which a prime minister will be appointed in coordination with lawmakers.

Key Claims

  • President Tokayev signed a decree setting parliamentary elections for August 23.
  • The new constitution, effective July 1, establishes a unicameral parliament (Kurultai) with 145 seats and five-year terms.
  • The electoral system for the Kurultai is exclusively proportional, with all members elected on party lists.
  • The new constitution re-establishes the vice-presidency; the vice president will represent the Head of State in dealings with the Kurultai and government bodies.
  • The constitution establishes the primacy of national law over international law.
  • President Tokayev described the changes as a "large-scale reboot" of all state and public institutions, previously announcing an "overhaul" of the state structure, assuring it was "not just another administrative reform."
  • Political analyst Gaziz Abishev, in an interview with TASS, noted that despite significant changes, the president retains a pivotal role, describing the constitution as "more candid" in reflecting the country as a presidential republic. He also highlighted the renewal of the corps of deputies and political elites as a key issue, noting that some high-ranking officials are already new figures appointed during Tokayev's presidency.