The first session of the inaugural Kurultai has opened in Kazakhstan. Following the election of the new legislative body, the Government resigned its powers before the Kurultai and will continue to carry out its duties until a new composition is approved.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAID
At the opening of the first session, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the start of the Kurultai's work launches the process of renewing the country's political system.
The Head of State specifically drew attention to society's demands on the new deputy corps.
"The current stage is not a time for empty promises, false speeches and populist slogans. Our society is maturing," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to him, the country has seen a growing demand for a professional legislative body, and competition inevitably implies the presence of winners and losers.
WHAT POWERS THE NEW KURULTAI HAS RECEIVED
The President stated that the new legislative body plays an important role in shaping the system of government.
Judges of the Constitutional Court, members of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and the Supreme Audit Chamber (SAC) will be appointed in consultation with the Kurultai. Deputies have also been granted the right to appoint and dismiss judges of the Supreme Court upon the President's proposal.
The Kurultai will be able to approve SAC reports on the execution of the republican budget, hear the annual address of the Constitutional Court, express a vote of no confidence in the Government, and submit proposals to the President for the dismissal of individual Government members.
"We have significantly strengthened the influence of the legislative body. This means strengthening the system of checks and balances between the branches of government," the President noted.
WHY THE GOVERNMENT RESIGNED ITS POWERS
The President also signed Decree No. 1414 "On the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan".
According to the document, in accordance with paragraph 1 of Article 69 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Article 4 of the Constitutional Act "On the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan", the Government resigned its powers before the newly elected Kurultai.
At the same time, the current composition will continue to perform its duties until the new Government is approved.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT DEMANDED OF DEPUTIES IN TERMS OF ACCOUNTABILITY
The President emphasised that a special responsibility rests on the first composition of the Kurultai.
"Deputies must follow the mandates of voters and serve the interests of the state. This is an immutable truth. We must never forget this," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
He also stressed that the work of the deputy corps must be based on the principles of legality, transparency, mutual respect and pluralism.
WHICH DECISIONS NOW DEPEND ON THE NEW DEPUTY CORPS
The President named the updating of legislation in accordance with the principles of the new Constitution as one of the key tasks of the Kurultai.
The Head of State stated that laws must be fair, understandable to citizens, and meet modern requirements. At the same time, draft laws of strategic importance must undergo comprehensive expert review.
"In this matter, bureaucratic red tape and negligence are unacceptable," the President stressed.
Tokayev also stated the need to use digital solutions and artificial intelligence to improve the quality of legislative activity and minimise corruption risks.
WHOM THE PRESIDENT PROPOSED TO HEAD THE KURULTAI
In accordance with Article 57 of the Constitution, the President nominates a candidate for the position of Chairman of the Kurultai.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed Aibek Dadebay for this position and asked deputies to support his candidacy.
After the structure of the Kurultai is formed, the President will submit the candidacies of the vice-president and the prime minister for consideration by the deputies. Following consultations, Government members will be appointed.
