Kazakhstan's New Kurultai Parliament Opens, Government Resigns
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Kazakhstan's new 145-seat Kurultai parliament held its first session on August 28, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposing Aibek Dadebai as chairman. The government led by Olzhas Bektenov resigned before the new parliament, but will continue in a caretaker capacity until a new cabinet is approved. The Kurultai, elected on August 23 with 74.08% turnout, holds legislative power and will control the government.
Key Facts
- The 145-seat Kurultai parliament held its first session on August 28, 2026.
- President Tokayev proposed Aibek Dadebai, leader of the Adilet party, as chairman of the Kurultai.
- The government led by Olzhas Bektenov resigned before the new parliament but will continue in a caretaker capacity.
- In the August 23 elections, the Adilet party won 110 seats, Auyl 10, Respublica 9, and Ak Zhol and OSDP 8 each, with 74.08% voter turnout.
- From January 1, 2027, offering or promising a bribe will be a criminal offense in Kazakhstan.
New Parliament Configuration
The Kurultai is the highest representative body of Kazakhstan, endowed with legislative power. It will pass laws, call presidential elections, and can initiate referendums. The Kurultai gives consent to the appointment of the vice president and prime minister, and participates in the formation of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the Central Election Commission, and the Supreme Audit Chamber. The Kurultai will also oversee the work of the government.
Anti-Corruption Legislation
From January 1, 2027, criminal liability in Kazakhstan will apply not only to giving a bribe but also to offering or promising one. The changes are enshrined in a new version of Article 367 of the Criminal Code. Legal scholar Saiken Aisin explained that investigators must prove the content and context of the offer, including who it was addressed to, for what action or inaction, and the person's intent. Evidence may include correspondence, audio and video recordings, agreements on the amount, subsequent actions, involvement of intermediaries, and other circumstances. The new norm provides protection for those who faced extortion of a bribe: a person who offered, promised, or gave an illegal reward may be exempt from criminal liability if the bribe was extorted by an official and the person voluntarily reported it to law enforcement or special state bodies.
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Kazakhstan's New Kurultai Parliament Opens, Government Resigns
