The Parliament of Kazakhstan approved in its second reading the draft law "On the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan", developed in accordance with the new Constitution. The document defines the status of the President as the highest official and regulates the procedure for interaction with key state institutions.
WHAT THE DRAFT LAW PROVIDES
The draft law enshrines the role of the President as the guarantor of the unity of the people and state power, the Constitution, and the rights and freedoms of man and citizen.
Also, clarifications have been made to the document regarding the norms regulating the procedure for electing the President, the oath-taking process, and the period of exercising powers. The changes are related to the exclusion of the institution of early elections.
WHAT POWERS IT IS PROPOSED TO ENTRENCH
The draft law provides for the President's right to appoint the Prosecutor General, the chairpersons of the Constitutional Court, the National Security Committee (NSC), the Supreme Audit Chamber, the Central Election Commission (CEC), the National Bank, the Human Rights Commissioner, and the Head of the State Security Service.
On the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Council, the President appoints the Chairman of the Supreme Court.
The document also provides for coordination with the Kurultai in the appointment and election of the Vice-President, the Prime Minister, 10 judges of the Constitutional Court, 8 members of the Supreme Audit Chamber, 6 members of the CEC, and judges of the Supreme Court.
THE DRAFT LAW INTRODUCES THE INSTITUTION OF VICE-PRESIDENT
A separate norm of the draft law introduces the institution of the Vice-President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and defines their legal status.
According to the document, on the instructions of the Head of State, the Vice-President represents the President in interaction with the Kurultai, the Government, and other state bodies.
WHAT CHANGES AFFECT STATE INSTITUTIONS
A separate article of the draft law enshrines the President's powers in relation to the Қазақстан Халық Кеңесі. These include approving its composition and ensuring organisational infrastructure.
Furthermore, the document introduces a norm regulating the President's powers in relation to the Human Rights Commissioner.
HOW THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INITIATIVE IS EXPLAINED
The text of the draft law states that the delineation of powers between subjects of state authority and the strengthening of the system of checks and balances should eliminate duplication of functions and ensure the efficiency of state administration.