Tokayev Reviews Parliamentary Reform, Approves Date for National Kurultai Session

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Monday held a working meeting with State Councilor Erlan Karin and Assistant to the President on Legal Issues Yerzhan Zhienbayev to discuss parliamentary reform, the Akorda press service reported.

During the meeting, Erlan Karin briefed the Head of State on the outcomes of the January 9 session of the Working Group on Parliamentary Reform. According to the briefing, the group finalized key approaches for the establishment of a future unicameral Parliament, including its legal status, powers and functions, as well as mechanisms for interaction with other branches of government.

It was noted that the next meeting of the working group, scheduled for January 15, will focus on defining the role of the new Parliament in ensuring the effective functioning of major state institutions.

Yerzhan Zhienbayev, in turn, presented the President with new proposals from the working group and members of the public concerning constitutional reform.

President Tokayev stressed the importance of taking into account all public initiatives and opinions. He reaffirmed that the final decision on constitutional reform will be made by the citizens of Kazakhstan through a national referendum.

The meeting also addressed preparations for the Fifth Session of the National Kurultai (Congress) to be held in Kyzylorda. President Tokayev approved January 20 as the date of the Kurultai session and issued specific instructions regarding organizational arrangements and the substantive agenda of the event.