Elections for the unicameral Kurultai have been called in Kazakhstan, seen as the beginning of major political changes. The vote is scheduled for August of this year. According to a statement by the Head of State, the decree on holding the elections will be signed after the Constitution comes into force.
WHEN WILL THE ELECTIONS TAKE PLACE
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the elections for the unicameral Kurultai will take place in August. The decree on calling the elections will be signed immediately after the Constitution comes into force.
He emphasised that the decision was announced early to give political parties time to prepare for the election campaign. According to him, this period will be about five months.
WHY WAS THE DATE ANNOUNCED EARLY
The Head of State noted that early notification is necessary to ensure transparent preparation.
"I am saying this in advance on purpose so that parties have a clear planning horizon and the necessary time to properly prepare for the election campaign. Thus, parties will have enough time, about five months, to carry out the relevant work with voters," he noted.
WHAT SIGNIFICANCE DO THE ELECTIONS HAVE
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the elections to the Kurultai will mark the beginning of a process of large-scale political transformation. This refers to a 'restructuring' of the entire political system of the country.
He also stressed that political and economic reforms should be accompanied by positive changes in public consciousness.
CONTEXT
Under the new Constitution, the Kurultai is seen as a unicameral supreme representative body that will replace the current parliament and will consist of 145 deputies, elected for a term of five years.
In addition, the new Constitution provides for institutional changes, including the creation of the People's Council of Kazakhstan and the introduction of the position of Vice-President.