Parliament approves new law on President of Kazakhstan

Presented by Justice Minister Yerlan Sarsembayev during a joint session of the parliament chambers, the draft law is designed to systematically implement a new structure of state power. This comprehensive draft law, consisting of eight chapters, 43 articles, aims to streamline the existing regulatory framework.

Chapter 1 outlines the constitutional status of the President, covering inauguration, term limits, and presidential restrictions. It establishes the legal framework for elections, oath-taking, and the seven-year mandate, refined to eliminate snap elections and enforce a single-term limit.

I would like to note that the conceptual provisions introduced in 2022, aimed at moving away from a super-presidential form of government, remain unchanged. These include a single seven-year presidential term, restrictions for close relatives of the President, and his non-partisanship, said Sarsembayev.

Chapter 2 of the Constitution defines the President's authority over foreign and domestic policy, their interactions with the Qurultay, Government, and other state entities, alongside their personnel and norm-setting duties.

A dedicated article is introduced for the first time that gives the President full authority over the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, including appointing its members and setting up its structure. Additionally, a new norm cements the President’s regulatory authority over the Commissioner for Human Rights.

In accordance with the Constitution, the President appoints the Ombudsman and hears their annual report, which strengthens the institutional guarantees for the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms, stated the minister.

A foundational shift in the proposed Constitutional law is the establishment of the Vice Presidency at a constitutional level. This mechanism is designed to bolster administrative stability and guarantee the uninterrupted operation of top state institutions.

Chapter 3 of the draft law outlines the appointment process for the Vice President, requiring presidential nomination and Qurultay approval, alongside specific candidate qualifications. It establishes grounds for termination, applies restrictions equivalent to those of top officials, and defines the primary role as representing the president in dealings with state bodies, with detailed powers to be defined by presidential acts.

The Office of the Vice President will be supported by the Head of State's administration.

Special attention is paid to the issues of presidential acts. Chapter 4 of the draft Constitutional law provides for the possibility of issuing decrees having the force of a constitutional law or a law in cases provided for by the Constitution (during the temporary absence of the Qurultay caused by the premature termination of its powers - Editor's note).

The proposed changes to Chapter 5 are designed to fortify top-level institutional stability and ensure the coherence of public administration. Furthermore, Chapters 6 and 7 - governing presidential support and ex-president status - have been updated to align fully with the new Constitution.

Earlier, Qazinform reported Kazakhstan’s parliament chambers are to convene on May 8.