Kazakh Qurultay Approves Rules Governing Legislative Sessions

Astana, The Gulf Observer: The deputies of Kazakhstan’s Qurultay have approved regulations establishing the procedure and schedule for sessions of the country’s new legislative body, media reported.

The rules were presented by Deputy Snezhanna Imasheva and set out the organization, timing and conduct of Qurultay sessions.

Under the approved regulations, regular sessions will generally be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays, while hearings will take place on Fridays and government hours on Mondays. A session will be considered valid when at least two-thirds of the deputies are present, corresponding to a minimum of 97 members.

Sessions are scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a break from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Chairman of the Qurultay will convene sessions, while the Qurultay or its Bureau may decide to hold meetings at other times when necessary.

The regulations stipulate that Qurultay sessions will normally be open to the public. However, a closed session may be held upon a proposal from the Chairman, the Bureau or a deputy, provided that a majority of deputies present vote in favor.

Open sessions will be broadcast online, while all sessions will be transcribed and video-recorded. Transcripts of open sessions will also be published on the official Qurultay website.

The regulations further provide that the President of Kazakhstan, Vice President, Prime Minister, members of the Government, Chairman of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council), Chairman of the National Bank, Prosecutor General, Chairman of the National Security Committee and Head of the Presidential Administration may attend and address any Qurultay session, including closed meetings.

The second session of the Qurultay of the Republic of Kazakhstan has commenced its work in Astana.