Kazakhstan’s new Constitution replaces bicameral Parliament with 145-member unicameral Qurultay
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Kazakhstan’s new Constitution, adopted at a 15 March 2026 referendum and in force since 1 July, replaces the bicameral Parliament with a 145-member unicameral Qurultay elected by proportional representation for five years. The president nominates the speaker, whom deputies elect by secret ballot requiring a majority of the total membership.
Key Facts
- The new Constitution was adopted by republican referendum on 15 March 2026 and entered into force on 1 July.
- The Qurultay consists of 145 deputies elected in a single nationwide constituency by proportional representation for five-year terms.
- A deputy must be a Kazakh citizen at least 25 years old and must have permanently resided in the country for the previous ten years.
- Regular sessions run from the first working day of September through the last working day of June, and extraordinary sessions may be convened between sessions.
- The Qurultay speaker is elected from among deputies by secret ballot on a candidate nominated by the president, requiring a majority of the total number of deputies.
The New Qurultay
Under the new Constitution, the Qurultay is the supreme representative body exercising legislative power in Kazakhstan, replacing the former bicameral Parliament of the Mazhilis and Senate. It consists of 145 deputies elected in a single nationwide constituency under proportional representation for five-year terms. Candidates must be Kazakh citizens at least 25 years old and must have permanently resided in the country for the last ten years. The powers of a given convocation begin when its first session opens and end when the first session of the next convocation begins, with deputies’ terms set at five years.
Session Procedure
The main form of Qurultay work is the session. After election results are announced, the president convenes the first session; until a speaker is elected, the chair of the Central Election Commission presides over its meetings. Regular sessions run from the first working day of September to the last working day of June. Extraordinary sessions may be convened between sessions on the initiative of subjects specified in the Constitution, and they consider only the issues that prompted the call. Sessions are generally open, and closed meetings are allowed only in cases provided by law.
Speaker Election
The Qurultay is led by a speaker elected from among the deputies. The president nominates the candidate for speaker, and the deputies make the election decision. Voting is held by secret ballot. A candidate is elected if he or she receives the votes of a majority of the total number of deputies.
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Kazakhstan’s new Constitution replaces bicameral Parliament with 145-member unicameral Qurultay
