The first meeting of the commission was marked by a discussion of constitutional changes, including the introduction of the vice-presidency. The President's assistant for legal issues, Yerzhan ZHIENBAEV, stated that the vice-president will be appointed by the president with the consent of the Kurultai, expressed by a majority vote. The dismissal from office will also be carried out by the president.
According to Zhiienbaev, the vice-president will represent the country on the international stage and interact with the Kurultai, the government, and other state bodies. The powers of the vice-president will be determined by the president. The institution of the state advisor is planned to be excluded from the Constitution.
Zhiienbaev also emphasized the requirements for the future vice-president, which will be outlined in the Constitution:
— The vice-president must not be a deputy, hold other paid positions, or engage in entrepreneurship, and must not belong to a political party while performing their duties.
With the right of initiative
Special attention at the meeting was given to the Halyk Kenesi — the People's Council, the status of which is planned to be enshrined in the Constitution. Yerzhan Zhiienbaev noted that the Halyk Kenesi will be the highest advisory body representing the interests of the people of the country, the composition of which will be formed by the head of state.
The council will have clearly defined powers, including the development of proposals on domestic policy, strengthening public consensus, and promoting national values. The president also emphasized that the Halyk Kenesi should have the right of legislative initiative, which will require corresponding changes to the Constitution.
— The issues of forming the composition, powers, and organization of the work of the People's Council will be determined by a separate constitutional law. Sessions of the council will be held at least once a year, — added the speaker.
State advisor Erlan KARIN reported on key aspects of the new unicameral parliament. According to him, the Kurultai will consist of 145 deputies. A fully proportional electoral system will be applied, and the term of office for deputies will be five years. There is no presidential quota in the new parliament, but quotas for women, youth, and persons with disabilities are retained.
In addition, the Kurultai will consider bills in three readings. The final decision on the constitutional reform will be made by the citizens of the country in a referendum.
Emphasis on sovereignty
Deputy Unzila SHAPAK proposed to change the preamble of the Constitution, emphasizing that this is not just a formality. The updated preamble should reflect several key principles, including national unity and a focus on the sovereignty of Kazakhstan.
— In the current geopolitical conditions, sovereignty is a decisive factor for strengthening the country! — she noted.
The deputy also proposed to include in the preamble the idea of a "Just Kazakhstan" and the principles of "Law and Order," as well as the values of preserving nature and responsibility to future generations.
Absolute rights
One of the most emotional speeches was made by the human rights commissioner Artur LASTAEV, who proposed enshrining in the Constitution the right not to testify against oneself and one's relatives. He also suggested establishing the presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle of rights and freedoms.
— The right to life is the foundation of all rights and freedoms. Without it, other freedoms simply will not exist! — he stated, emphasizing that Kazakhstan has abolished the death penalty.
Lastaev also proposed to concentrate all norms regarding basic rights and freedoms in one section of the Constitution dedicated to the protection of human and citizen rights.
Politics for the worthy
At the second meeting, the discussion about constitutional reform became more intense. One of the key proposals from Senator Nurlan BEKNAZAROV concerned limiting participation in elections and referendums for certain categories of citizens.
— It is proposed to prohibit participation for citizens recognized as incapacitated and convicted individuals serving a sentence, — noted the senator.
He also suggested enshrining in the Constitution the right of the Kurultai to raise the issue of the resignation of ministers if one-third of the deputies support this initiative.
Balance of power
Justice Minister Erlan SARSEMBAYEV proposed changing the procedure for appointing key personnel. The president will appoint the vice-president, prime minister, and several judges with the consent of the Kurultai.
— This structure will promote political compromises, — explained the minister.
A number of positions, including the attorney general and the heads of the Constitutional Court, will remain with the president. This will ensure accountability and prompt decision-making in critical moments.
Speaking about the vice-president, Sarsembayev noted that if necessary, temporary powers will pass to the chairman of the Kurultai, and then to the prime minister.
Funding without loopholes
Deputy Snezhanna IMASHEVA spoke about the planned amendments concerning political parties and citizens' rights, including clarifying restrictions on the financing of associations.
— We are clarifying the sources of prohibited financing, which will increase transparency and protect constitutional freedoms, — she noted.
The amendments also concern the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of creativity, including the protection of intellectual property.
Down with archaic practices!
Imasheva emphasized that the Constitution should protect the dignity and honor of individuals, proposing specific formulations for these norms:
— This is not just a principle, but an obligation of the state to ensure the protection of human dignity, — she added, noting the need to modernize the text of the Constitution.
At the third meeting, parliamentary factions unanimously supported the transition to a unicameral parliament. Experts and political scientists also spoke in favor of the reforms.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 28, where each amendment to the Constitution will be discussed. However, the final decision on the amendments will be up to the people in a referendum, which, judging by the active work of the commission, is not far off.
