Kazakhstan's unicameral 145-seat Kurultai strengthens party accountability
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Kazakhstan's unicameral Kurultai is composed of 145 deputies with the first convocation elected on Aug. 23, 2026, under the Constitution that took effect July 1, 2026. Professor Andrei Kazantsev of Narxoz University said the one-chamber model makes it clearer which party represents each voter and who must answer for results.
Key Facts
- Kazakhstan will elect the first 145 deputies of the unicameral Kurultai on 23 August 2026 for five-year terms.
- All 145 mandates are distributed under a proportional system through a single nationwide constituency.
- The new Constitution, which enshrines the Kurultai, entered into force on 1 July 2026.
- Professor Andrei Kazantsev of Narxoz University said the one-chamber parliament makes it clearer which party represents a voter and from whom to demand results.
Unicameral Kurultai Structure
Kazakhstan will elect 145 Kurultai deputies on 23 August 2026 for the first convocation. The new one-chamber legislature is part of the state architecture set by the Constitution that took effect on 1 July 2026. All 145 mandates are allocated by proportional representation through a single nationwide constituency. Its task is to ensure full representation of citizens' interests and effective legislative work.
Party Accountability and Competition
Professor Andrei Kazantsev of Narxoz University told the expert platform Sailyau-2026 that the constitutional reform boosts competition because voters now understand who specifically represents them in the unicameral parliament. He said the shift to a one-chamber parliament should institutionally raise competition by improving representation. Kazantsev added that the unicameral parliament will connect legislators more tightly to the final result, which matters for the voter. As a result, voters will know which party to hold responsible for a given problem, not only which deputy. Parties will then need to adapt increasingly to voter interests, Kazantsev said.
Legislative Efficiency and Reform
Kazantsev stressed that competition is important but implementing concrete reforms matters as well. The one-chamber parliament is intended to tighten the link between public demand, party programs, and adopted laws. The faster the Kurultai works, the faster the state can respond to economic and social changes and improve legislation. The 23 August election starts the work of the new institution, whose success depends on deputy professionalism, the quality of party programs, and the Kurultai's ability to deliver results.
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Kazakhstan's unicameral 145-seat Kurultai strengthens party accountability
