From amendments to new Constitution: Kazakhstan moves to unicameral parliament and People's Council
EL.KZ Информационно-познавательный портал
A draft of a new Constitution has been presented in Kazakhstan, reshaping the very architecture of legislative power. The key institutional changes include a transition to a unicameral parliament - the introduction of Qurultay - Qazaqstan Khalyk Kenesi (People's Council) as a new consultative body with the right of legislative initiative, El.kz reports.
Qurultay instead of Senate and Majilis
Under the draft Constitution, the parliament will consist of 145 deputies elected for a five-year term under a proportional representation system. This means voters will cast their ballots for party lists, and the distribution of seats will directly depend on parties’ electoral results.
State Counselor Erlan Karin noted that the proportional system more accurately reflects the political preferences of society and strengthens the role of political parties in shaping the national agenda.
“This model creates a clearer link between citizens’ demands and representation in parliament, and also increases the accountability of political forces to voters,” Erlan Karin emphasized.
The transition to a unicameral model was announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in January 2026 at a meeting of the National Qurultay. He proposed naming the future parliament the “Qurultay” and outlined the main parameters of its structure. The abandonment of the bicameral system is explained by the desire to simplify the legislative process and reduce the time required for bills to pass. In the new model, all key decisions will be made within a single body, which is expected to enhance the efficiency of parliamentary work.
People’s Council: A new format for dialogue with society
Another element of the constitutional reform is the creation of the Qazaqstan People’s Council. It is positioned as the highest consultative body representing the interests of civil society and involved in discussions on the country’s strategic development priorities.
What distinguishes the People’s Council from previous public platforms is that it is granted the right of legislative initiative - that is, it will be able to submit proposals directly to parliament.
Thus, civil society gains not only the opportunity to discuss public policy but also to participate in shaping the legislative agenda in an institutionalized format.
What this means for citizens
For voters, the changes mean a shift toward a more party-centered model of parliamentary representation: political platforms and candidate lists will play a key role in elections. In addition, an extra channel is created for public influence on the lawmaking process through the People’s Council.
The reform also provides for strengthening the role of parliament within the system of checks and balances and expanding its powers in oversight and participation in the formation of state institutions.
Reform context
The changes to the legislative system are part of a broader constitutional renewal process, which also includes strengthening guarantees of citizens’ rights, introducing certain international justice standards, and redistributing powers among branches of government.
The final configuration of the new institutions will be determined after amendments to the Constitution are adopted and a package of accompanying laws is approved. Until then, the draft continues to be discussed within expert and public circles.
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