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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a package of constitutional laws aimed at implementing the provisions of the Constitution adopted on March 15, 2026. Explanations have been provided for five key legislative acts, a correspondent reports.
The laws concern the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies, the Kazakhstan People's Council (Qazaqstan Halyq Kenesi), the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Administrative-Territorial Structure of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Law on the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
The constitutional law defines the powers of the president and the framework for interaction with state institutions.
The introduction of consultations with the prime minister and the speaker of the Kurultai when adopting extraordinary measures, as well as parliamentary approval mechanisms for a number of appointments, reflects Kazakhstan’s continued transition toward a balanced presidential republic.
A separate set of provisions is aimed at ensuring transparency and public trust. The president is elected for a single seven-year term.
The president may not simultaneously hold parliamentary office, engage in business activities, undertake other paid employment, or belong to a political party. Close relatives of the president are also prohibited from occupying key positions in state bodies and quasi-state entities. In essence, these measures are designed to prevent the concentration of influence and eliminate conflicts of interest, thereby strengthening public confidence in state institutions.
At the same time, a significant portion of the president’s powers is focused on ensuring the effectiveness of the state apparatus. The president participates in forming the government, oversees its strategic priorities, and reviews reports from key institutions ranging from the National Bank to law enforcement agencies. For citizens, this translates into stricter oversight of the implementation and outcomes of state policy.
Constitutional Law on the Status of the Capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan
A key provision of the law is the establishment of mandatory requirements for the architectural appearance and design code of the capital as the foundation for urban planning and construction activities.
Under the law, all architectural, urban development and construction activities within the capital must comply with the city’s master plan, urban planning documentation and state standards, ensuring a unified and comprehensive approach to the development of the urban environment.
One of the central provisions is the introduction of a mandatory design code for the capital. Its requirements will apply to buildings, road infrastructure, advertising and elements of the city’s visual appearance.
An important institutional role in implementing these approaches will be played by the Capital Architectural and Urban Planning Council, chaired by the mayor of Astana.
The council will include representatives of the city administration, architects, independent experts, civil society organisations and specialists representing the interests of people with disabilities. The body will review architectural and urban development projects and formulate recommendations on construction, urban design and the architectural appearance of the city, including monumental and artistic elements of the urban environment.
Law on the Administrative-Territorial Structure
The law is based on three fundamental principles: legality, stability and territorial integrity.
The stability of the administrative-territorial system will be ensured through mechanisms requiring that any changes to territorial boundaries or status be based exclusively on objective data and long-term development plans. This eliminates the possibility of unjustified territorial changes and guarantees the stable functioning of local executive and representative bodies, which is critical for socio-economic planning and the implementation of state programmes.
The constitutional law addresses fundamental issues that directly affect people’s lives in the regions, ranging from the status of settlements to the allocation of resources and infrastructure development.
In practical terms, the law’s primary objective is to bring order to the country’s territorial governance system and enshrine it at the constitutional level. This means that any changes to borders, territorial status or administrative subordination can no longer be made on an ad hoc basis but must be supported by clear justification, calculations and consideration of long-term development objectives. For residents, this primarily means greater stability, with clearer and more predictable rules.
Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies
The Kurultai operates through regular sessions held from September to June, with extraordinary sessions convened when necessary at the initiative of the president, the speaker of the chamber or the deputies themselves.
Sessions constitute the principal form of the Kurultai’s work. They are conducted with a quorum and are generally open to the public, allowing participation by senior state officials.
The legislative process within the Kurultai regulates the submission, consideration and adoption of laws, as well as interaction among key state institutions. The right of legislative initiative belongs to the president, Kurultai deputies, the government and the Kazakhstan People's Council. All draft laws must undergo mandatory review by профиль committees before being submitted for consideration at a plenary session.
The constitutional law establishes the legal status of a deputy as a professional public office based on an oath to the people of Kazakhstan. Powers commence upon registration by the Central Election Commission and are accompanied by strict restrictions. Deputies are prohibited from engaging in business activities or holding other paid positions, except in scientific, educational or creative fields. Violation of these rules, as well as withdrawal from the political party through which the deputy was elected, results in the immediate loss of the parliamentary mandate.
Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council
The primary mission of the Kazakhstan People's Council is to institutionalise public participation in the development and implementation of state policy. It is intended not merely as a discussion platform but as a practical mechanism ensuring the representation of civil society interests in decision-making processes. This is expected to contribute to a more balanced and socially oriented state policy.
The council is granted clearly defined and extensive powers enabling it to influence public policy and issues affecting citizens’ daily lives.
The Kazakhstan People's Council may develop and formally submit proposals on key areas of domestic policy, public harmony, national unity and the promotion of Kazakhstan’s core values. Most importantly, it is empowered to directly submit draft laws and major policy proposals to the Kurultai, as well as initiate nationwide referendums.
In addition, the council will participate in discussions and monitoring of state policy implementation while facilitating ongoing dialogue between the authorities, the public and civil society.
In essence, the mechanism envisages a process whereby society raises pressing issues, the council conducts in-depth analysis and advances them through the decision-making system - from recommendations and assessments to draft legislation or nationwide referendums.
As a result, the Kazakhstan People's Council is positioned as a genuine bridge between society and the state, providing citizens with a direct instrument to influence decisions that affect their everyday lives.
