Kazakh parliament passes draft law on Qurultay and status of its deputies

As Majilis Deputy Aidos Sarym said, the document introduced by parliament deputies to implement new constitutional norms, aims at establishing a unicameral Qurultay. This new legislative body will consist of 145 members chosen through a proportional system, serving five-year terms.

In many countries, the transition to a unicameral parliament is associated with a desire to increase the openness of the legislative process and political accountability. Historically, upper chambers were generally created to ensure regional representation or as an additional filter during deep social crises. In turn, a unicameral parliamentary system reduces institutional inertia, as draft laws are considered by a single body, and responsibility for decisions taken is not distributed between chambers. This makes the political process more understandable for society and strengthens personal and party responsibility of the Qurultay, said Sarym.

The draft law defines how the Qurultay is formed, structured, and operated within the state system. It empowers the body to pass laws, help form government bodies, and exercise parliamentary control.

It also outlines how the Qurultay operates, covering everything from its committees and meeting types (sessions, hearings) to the process for passing legislation.

Furthermore, the draft law defines the interaction between the Qurultay and the Government, the status, rights, and responsibilities of deputies, and sets regulations for deputy groups, parliamentary factions (majority/opposition), and ethical standards.

At the same time, the draft law includes a norm stating that the Qurultay will become the legal successor of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Should the law be adopted and enter into force, draft laws submitted to the Majilis of the Parliament will be considered by the Qurultay in accordance with this Constitutional law and the Regulations of the Qurultay.

The draft law takes effect on July 1 of this year. Furthermore, the Constitutional law of October 16, 1995, on the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of its Deputies, and the Law of May 7, 1997, on Committees and Commissions of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, are hereby repealed, said the deputy.

Earlier, Qazinform reported the Kazakh parliament on Friday approved the draft Constitutional law on the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the first reading.