The President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined a new stage in Kazakhstan's political development, as well as priorities in economic governance and the country's digital transformation. This happened at this year's meeting of the National Kurultai (hereinafter referred to as the Kurultai). It was held on January 20 in the city of Kyzylorda.
In his speech, President K. Tokayev presented a package of constitutional and institutional reforms aimed at modernizing the state system, clarifying the architecture of governance, and strengthening long-term political stability. The speech focused on proposals to formalize the rules of presidential succession, create the position of vice president, and transition to a fundamentally new constitutional model after a national referendum.
Introduction of the position of vice president
A new key moment in the governance of Kazakhstan is the introduction of the position of vice president. Tokayev explained that he will be appointed by the president with the consent of parliament.
The role of the new administrative figure will be to represent Kazakhstan at the international level, interact with parliament, work with domestic and international organizations, and perform tasks assigned by the president. These powers will be explicitly enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring legal clarity and institutional stability. The President emphasized that the reform aims to strengthen the coherence of governance, not to weaken presidential power.
„The position of vice president exists in a number of countries. In our case, the institution of this position will stabilize the process of governing the state, as well as bring final clarity to the hierarchy of power. I must emphasize: this constitutional innovation does not mean weakening the institution of presidential power itself“, Tokayev added.
Clear constitutional rules for presidential succession
The President emphasized the importance of unambiguous constitutional regulation of presidential succession. In the event of early termination of the presidential term, presidential elections must be held within two months, ensuring that the head of state comes to power exclusively through elections. He defined this principle as fundamental and non-negotiable, affirming Kazakhstan's commitment to electoral legitimacy and political predictability.
„My firm belief is that in the future, every leader of our country must confirm his legitimacy in the elections. The constitutional amendment in this part will be an important signal for future leaders of Kazakhstan. At the same time, it turned out that the text of the Constitution has some terminological inaccuracies and stylistic distortions. As part of the constitutional reform, these shortcomings should also be eliminated. Along with lawyers, qualified linguists will be involved in this work,” Tokayev said.
Transition to a new constitutional model and strengthening the system of checks and balances
Tokayev said that the reforms launched in 2022, along with the upcoming initiatives for a national referendum, mark a transition from the 1995 constitutional model to a fundamentally new political system. Public approval of these reforms, he said, will lead to renewal of the political system and strengthening long-term stability.
He noted that 26 laws have already been adopted based on proposals from previous sessions of the National Kurultai, demonstrating the forum’s growing institutional importance. “This fact alone clearly shows that the Kurultai has become the main driving force behind large-scale reforms. In particular, concrete steps have been taken to ensure women's rights and the safety of children. An active fight against lunatics and the spread of drugs has begun. Work in the field of onomastics has been streamlined. The system of state awards includes new honorary titles that raise the status of workers. In addition, we have identified the main values that shape the new quality of the nation. We are putting a barrier to social vices that threaten the future of young generations“, said the President of Kazakhstan.
It is also proposed that the appointments of members of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Audit Chamber and Central Election Commission be carried out exclusively with the consent of parliament.
The parliament will also be given the power to elect all Supreme Court judges upon the proposal of the president, which is a significant step towards strengthening the balance of power.
Reconfiguring parliamentary and consultative institutions
The proposed reforms include a move to a unicameral parliament (called “Kurultay“), with the aim of streamlining legislative processes and improving the efficiency of government. The new parliament is proposed to consist of 145 deputies, with up to three deputy chairmen and no more than eight standing committees, with an emphasis on efficiency and professionalism.
Deputies will be elected exclusively on a proportional basis, which will strengthen the institutional role and responsibility of political parties. The term of office will be five years, and the legislative process will move to a three-stage procedure: conceptual approval, approval of amendments, and final adoption of laws.
A new Halyk Kenesi (People's Council) will be established, which will take over key functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in the field of interethnic and interreligious understanding.
The People's Council will have the following powers:
- developing proposals for improving domestic policy;
- promoting and clarifying issues related to state ideology;
- the right of legislative initiative;
- organizing the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and other significant humanitarian forums.
- The reforms also provide for the elimination of some administrative structures serving the current parliament, the closure of the position of State Secretary, and adjustments in the Presidential Administration to better meet the practical needs of governance.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence as strategic priorities
President Tokayev emphasized that digitalization and artificial intelligence are changing global realities, reducing the importance of population size and rewarding countries that adapt quickly.
„In the 21st century, digitalization is proceeding at a rapid pace, acquiring a stable, very dynamic character. High technologies have begun to have a direct impact on everyday life, human rights and freedoms. Obviously, this trend will only intensify in the future. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the institutional and legal foundations of the digitalization process in Kazakhstan in the Fundamental Law. I consider it necessary to clearly state in the Constitution the norm that citizens' personal digital data is protected by law“.
Kazakhstan has chosen the path of accelerated implementation of digital technologies and AI in all sectors of the economy and state governance.
At the same time, he warned that technologies alone cannot compensate for weak governance.
Effective digital transformation requires optimized management processes, improved organizational culture, and modern practices in the public sector.
Infrastructure for the future digital economy
President Tokayev emphasized the need to build a solid infrastructure base to support a future digital and energy-intensive economy. He proposed that the institutional and legal foundations of digitalization be enshrined in the Constitution, reflecting its growing impact on everyday life and fundamental rights.
He called for early designation of zones for high-capacity data centers equipped with: reliable power supply; modern cooling systems; robust physical and cybersecurity.
According to him, these measures are essential for Kazakhstan to remain competitive in emerging digital industries and global value chains.
Only countries that successfully digitize and integrate their history and culture into the global digital civilization will preserve their subjectivity. He supported the creation of a national Digital Repository of Memory and Knowledge (National Digital Heritage), aimed at systematizing archival materials, museum collections, scientific research, and works of art in digital format.
Cultural and Spiritual Development
Cultural and spiritual development is a strategic priority of state policy. Tokayev noted that the success of political and economic reforms depends on the transformation of public consciousness and the strengthening of national values.
He outlined large-scale plans for the development of cultural infrastructure, modernization of museums, theaters and libraries, and support for creative industries.
The President emphasized the importance of international promotion of Kazakhstan's cultural and historical heritage, including through UNESCO mechanisms, noting the country's strong position in terms of the number of items inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
It is necessary to deepen scientific research into the history and civilization of Kazakhstan, including the publication of a seven-volume academic history of the country and the organization of international conferences on the Golden Horde and Turkic civilization.
The President linked cultural policy with digital transformation, emphasizing that only countries that successfully digitize and integrate their cultural heritage into the global digital space will retain their role in the modern world.