Tokayev nominates Yerlan Koshanov to chair Kazakhstan People's Council

September 23, 2026 at 02:14 PM2 min

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Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed Yerlan Koshanov as chairman of the Kazakhstan People's Council at its first session in Astana on September 23, 2026. The council's 126 members will elect the chairman by secret ballot for a four-year term. Koshanov previously served as speaker of the Mazhilis and head of the presidential administration.

Key Facts

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev nominated Yerlan Koshanov for chairman of the Kazakhstan People's Council on September 23, 2026.
The council consists of 126 members, approved by presidential decree on September 22, 2026.
The chairman will be elected by secret ballot for a four-year term, with a maximum of two terms.
Candidates for chairman may be proposed by the president or at least one-third of council members.
Yerlan Koshanov, born August 14, 1962, previously served as chairman of the Mazhilis and head of the presidential administration.

Nomination at First Session

President Tokayev announced the nomination during the opening of the council's first session in Astana. He described Koshanov as a responsible, qualified, and experienced statesman who served in the civil service for many years. Tokayev expressed confidence that Koshanov would strengthen public harmony as chairman. After the nomination, several council members spoke in support of Koshanov's candidacy. The session then moved to a secret ballot procedure.

Council Composition and Powers

The council's 126 members include public figures, scientists, maslikhat deputies, and civil society leaders from all regions. The People's Council was established as the highest consultative body, succeeding the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai. It holds the right of legislative initiative, requiring a two-thirds vote to submit bills to the Kurultai. The council may initiate a national referendum with a three-quarters vote. Its recommendations are subject to mandatory consideration by all state agencies.

Koshanov's Career

Yerlan Koshanov was born on August 14, 1962, in Karaganda Region. He graduated from the Karaganda Polytechnic Institute in 1984 as a mechanical engineer. Koshanov served as chairman of the Mazhilis from February 2022 until the chamber's dissolution in summer 2026. He previously headed the presidential administration for over two years and was akim of Karaganda Region. In 2022, Koshanov also became chairman of the Amanat party.