Tokayev proposes expanding powers of a unicameral parliament

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed expanding the powers of a future unicameral parliament in shaping branches of state authority as part of the upcoming reform.

“Under the current Constitution, as you know, the powers to form the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Audit Chamber, and the Central Election Commission are evenly distributed among the Majilis, the Senate (the lower and upper chambers of parliament – ed.), and the president. Now it is proposed that the appointment of all members of these key state institutions be carried out solely with the consent of parliament,” Tokayev said during a session of the National Qurultoy.

According to him, it is also proposed to grant deputies of the country’s highest representative body the authority to elect all judges of the Supreme Court based on a presidential nomination.

“This is a major step toward developing Kazakhstan’s parliamentary system and strengthening the system of checks and balances between branches of power,” the president explained.

Unicameral parliament

Earlier, in an address to the nation, Tokayev proposed establishing a unicameral parliament in Kazakhstan. In his view, such a reform should become the subject of comprehensive public discussion. He noted that this process would take at least one year, with a nationwide referendum potentially held in 2027, followed by the necessary constitutional amendments.

According to Tokayev, the unicameral supreme legislative body should be elected solely through party lists, which corresponds to parliamentary traditions widely practiced around the world.

Currently, Kazakhstan’s parliament is bicameral. The Majilis consists of 98 deputies, of whom 69 are elected through party lists and 29 through single-mandate constituencies. Their term of office is five years. The Senate comprises 50 lawmakers, with two representatives from each region and 10 appointed by the president. Senators serve six-year terms, with half of the chamber renewed every three years.