KISI GPS: New Constitution and the role of the regions in its implementation discussed in Petropavl

A session of the National platform “KISI GPS: Gylym. Pikir. Sayasat” was held in Petropavl to discuss Kazakhstan’s new constitutional framework and the role of the regions in its implementation, El.kz reports citing the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISI).

Participants discussed the development of local self-government, public dialogue, political institutions, and citizen participation within the country’s renewed political system.

Experts discuss the role of the regions

The discussion was organized by the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan (KISI). The event brought together representatives of the academic community, legal experts, political scientists, leaders of non-governmental organizations, and members of the Public Council of the North Kazakhstan Region.

Opening the session, KISI Director Zhandos Shaimardanov stated that the adoption of the new Constitution marked the beginning of a new stage in the country’s development, founded on the principles of justice, the rule of law, accountability, and equal opportunities.

According to him, the renewed constitutional and political framework strengthens the role of political parties in engaging with citizens, while the establishment of the Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi institution expands opportunities for representing regional interests and promoting inclusive public dialogue. He also highlighted the North Kazakhstan region’s potential for advancing the agricultural sector, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and innovation.

Focus on local self-government and elections

Director of the Institute for the Development of Local Self-Government Sergey Khudyakov noted that the constitutional reforms have expanded the powers of local representative bodies strengthened public oversight mechanisms, and increased the fiscal capacity of local governments, including through the implementation of projects under the Participatory Budgeting programme.

He also emphasized that the upcoming Kurultai elections represent a continuation of the country’s political modernization agenda and are consistent with the objectives of the constitutional reforms.

Chair of the Assembly of Zhastary youth  Dariga Smailova association of the North Kazakhstan Region, stressed the importance of actively engaging young people in public and political life. According to her, participation in elections remains a key expression of civic responsibility.

New electoral model

Deputy Chair of the North Kazakhstan region Civil Alliance Association Assel Yeszhanova presented the new electoral system, under which all 145 members of the Kurultai will be elected through proportional representation based on political party lists.

In her view, this model strengthens the role of political parties, enhances programmatic competition, encourages the renewal of party structures, and reinforces collective political responsibility.

A representative of the Youth Maslikhat of the N Kazakhstan region Timur Alzhanov added that the current electoral campaign reflects public demand for the renewal of the political system. According to him, political parties are increasingly promoting young leaders and introducing new policy platforms for the country’s development.

At the conclusion of the session, participants noted that the successful implementation of the new Constitution will largely depend on the active engagement of the regions, the continued development of local self-government, the strengthening of civil society institutions, and sustained interaction between the state and society.