Kazakhstan to Hold First Kurultai Elections on August 23, Expert Outlines Public Expectations
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Kazakhstan will hold its first parliamentary elections under the new constitution on August 23, marking the formation of the Kurultai, a new legislative body. The vote will determine party-list representation and is seen as a key step in implementing the country's political reforms, according to Nurtai Imangaliyev of the Institute of Parliamentarism. The outcome may shape the direction of socio-economic policy, even as public expectations for effective lawmaking run high.
The Constitutional Shift
The August 23 vote is the first practical step in implementing Kazakhstan's new constitution, which replaces the previous parliament with the Kurultai. The Kurultai will be formed exclusively through party-list ballots, in line with the updated constitutional law on elections, said Nurtai Imangaliyev, head of the judicial system center at the Institute of Parliamentarism. He described the elections as a landmark in the country's political model, not merely a political event but a constitutional milestone.
Public Expectations
Kazakhstani citizens expect the new Kurultai to produce clear, effective, and demand-responsive legislation, Imangaliyev stated. They anticipate that deputies will strengthen the rule of law, enhance government openness, and improve the efficiency of state bodies. The expert stressed that the Kurultai's performance will hinge on the content of party election platforms and the professionalism and accountability of the elected deputies.
The People's Council
The new political framework also establishes the Qazaqstan Halyq Kengesi (People's Council of Kazakhstan), designed as a dialogue platform between the state and society. It will include representatives of ethno-cultural associations, public organizations, and civil society institutions. The council is expected to discuss pressing societal issues, with its recommendations feeding into government policy-making.
What's Next
The elections on August 23 will be followed by the formation of the new Kurultai and the People's Council. It remains unclear whether the elected deputies will deliver on campaign promises and meet the public's call for high-quality laws.
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Kazakhstan to Hold First Kurultai Elections on August 23, Expert Outlines Public Expectations
