ASTANA - President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev presented Kazakhstan's ongoing political reforms, foreign policy priorities and digital transformation agenda at a meeting of the National Kurultay in Kyzylorda on 20 January. He stressed the importance of national unity in the context of global uncertainty.
Constitutional reform and referendum
Tokayev said that the reforms launched in 2022, along with the upcoming initiatives to be put to a national referendum, represent a transition from the 1995 constitutional model to a fundamentally new system. He stressed that public support for these changes would lead to the restoration of Kazakhstan's political system and strengthen long-term stability. According to Tokayev, the proposed reforms include a transition to a unicameral parliament to be called the Quryltai, the creation of the Khalyk Kenesi (People's Council), and the establishment of the post of vice president, Akorda reported.
Khalyk Kenesi (People's Council)
Tokayev said the People's Council will take over the key functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in the area of inter-ethnic and inter-religious harmony, while focusing on drafting proposals to improve domestic policy and advocating and explaining issues related to state ideology. It would obtain the right of legislative initiative. The People's Council would also be responsible for organizing the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions.
Succession of the President and Vice President
Tokayev stressed the need to clearly regulate the issue of presidential succession directly in the Constitution. He said that in the event of an early termination of the presidential mandate, presidential elections must be called within two months to ensure that any future president takes office exclusively through elections. He described this principle as fundamental and not admitting of compromise.
As part of the reform package, Tokayev proposed the creation of a vice-president, who would be appointed by the president with the approval of Parliament.
The Vice President would represent Kazakhstan in international affairs, cooperate with the Parliament, communicate with domestic and foreign organisations and perform other tasks assigned by the President. Tokayev said these powers should be explicitly enshrined in the Constitution. Tokayev stressed that these changes would not weaken presidential power, but would instead refine the governance structure and stabilise the state system. Kazakhstan will continue to develop as a presidential republic, he said. The reforms also envisage the abolition of some administrative structures supporting the current Parliament and the abolition of the post of State Counsellor, while reforming the Presidential Administration to make it more relevant to practical needs.
Economic integration and national interests
On economic policy, Tokayev said Kazakhstan supports economic integration, but at the same time will consistently defend its national interests, especially in the context of growing global tensions. As this year's chair of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), he said, Kazakhstan will emphasize removing trade barriers, fighting unjustified protectionism and expanding the use of artificial intelligence to increase the effectiveness of integration. He also expressed concern about the pressure on Kazakhstan's agricultural processing sector due to subsidised imports within the EAEU. He identified this as a food security issue and called on the government to take more decisive action to protect domestic producers.
Foreign policy in a changing world
Tokayev said that international relations are undergoing profound changes accompanied by a decline in trust, weakening of international law and increasing militarisation of the world. In this context, he said, Kazakhstan's foreign policy must remain balanced and focused on protecting national interests. He stressed that diplomatic decisions have long-term consequences and should be taken professionally and prudently. Diplomacy, he said, should serve as an instrument of compromise, not confrontation.
Digitalisation and artificial intelligence
President Tokayev stressed that digitalization and artificial intelligence are changing global reality, reducing the importance of population size and favouring countries that can adapt quickly and strategically. According to him, Kazakhstan has chosen the path of accelerated digitalization and introduction of AI in all sectors. He also warned that technology alone will not solve the problems of mismanagement. Effective digital transformation requires simplification of management processes, improvement of organisational culture and modern management practices in the public sector, he said. He also pointed to the need to create a strong infrastructure foundation for the future digital and energy-intensive economy, including early zoning for high-capacity data centres with reliable power, cooling and security systems.
(for) kazinform.kz
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