Tokayev urges new Kurultai to speed up national modernization

August 31, 2026 at 05:00 AM2 min

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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev opened the first session of Kazakhstan's new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, on August 28. He urged deputies to accelerate national modernization and strengthen sovereignty amid a chaotic international system. The session marks the transition from constitutional reform to legislative practice following the 2026 referendum.

Key Facts

Tokayev opened the first session of the Kurultai on August 28, 2026.
He argued that major powers have largely stopped trusting one another, weakening the UN.
Tokayev instructed deputies to bring legislation into line with the new Constitution.
The transition to a single-chamber parliament was proposed in his September 2025 State of the Nation address.
The Kurultai was elected following the 2026 constitutional referendum.

Institutional Renewal

Tokayev linked institutional renewal at home to Kazakhstan's ability to adapt and sustain its international standing. He argued that Kazakhstan must continue modernizing and strengthen the domestic foundations of its sovereignty and international role. The president described global events as increasingly chaotic and difficult to predict. He said major powers had largely stopped trusting one another, weakening the United Nations and creating a larger role for regional organizations and middle powers, including Kazakhstan. Tokayev stated that the states most likely to adapt would be those able to strengthen their sovereignty through economic strength, scientific capability, military and diplomatic capacity, and human development.

Reform Continuity

Tokayev's argument dates to his inauguration in June 2019, when he said the world had entered an era of rapid change shaped by trade wars, international tensions, failing security mechanisms and regional conflicts. His first State of the Nation address three months later set out the method: political reform would proceed consistently, persistently and thoughtfully. Tokayev reiterated the formula of a strong president, an influential parliament and an accountable government, while introducing the concept of a Listening State able to respond to citizens. He said the language has evolved, but the central argument has remained consistent: reform is not a fixed package but an ongoing response to changing conditions.

Legislative Transition

Tokayev proposed the transition to a single-chamber parliament in his September 2025 State of the Nation address. He presented the proposal at the UN General Assembly as part of an effort to make the political system more effective, transparent and responsive. Following the 2026 constitutional referendum and the election of the first Kurultai, the proposal has moved from constitutional design into legislative practice. Tokayev instructed deputies to bring legislation into line with the new Constitution and maintain and strengthen the legal scrutiny previously carried out by the Senate.