Professor Zainidin Kurmanov discusses how changes in the Constitution redistribute powers between branches of government and strengthen the system of checks and balances
The recent referendum in Kazakhstan on constitutional amendments has become an important milestone in the process of updating the constitutional system and revising the distribution of powers among key state institutions. Experts are actively discussing the political and institutional implications of these reforms.
Professor Zainidin Kurmanov, Doctor of Historical Sciences, shared his views on the changes that the new constitutional model will include and their impact on the governance of the country.
According to Kurmanov, the new model of Kazakhstani statehood aims to reduce the personalization of power, transitioning from a "super-presidential" to a presidential republic with a strengthened parliament. This implies the creation of a more balanced architecture of power, where powers are distributed among various institutions.
A key aspect of the reforms is the deconcentration of presidential power. The head of state voluntarily limits his powers to avoid their excessive concentration. In particular, the new Constitution introduces a single seven-year presidential term without the right to run for re-election.
Furthermore, there is a distancing of presidential power from party politics. New norms prohibit the president from being a member of political parties during their term of office, as well as introducing a ban on close relatives of the president holding high positions in state and quasi-state structures.
One of the main tasks of the reforms is to strengthen the role of the parliament and local maslikhats. According to the expert, the new model will contribute to the creation of a more effective system of checks and balances through the strengthening of legislative power. In this regard, a mixed electoral system is being implemented, allowing self-nominated candidates and civic activists to participate in political life. The process of registering political parties is being simplified, which should promote political competition and the development of a multi-party system.
The reforms also address the area of human rights. The updated Constitution aims to enhance the protection of citizens' rights and expand opportunities for their defense. In particular, a Constitutional Court is being established where citizens can file complaints about unconstitutional laws and regulations. The status of the ombudsman is being enshrined, which will ensure greater independence from the executive branch, and the death penalty is being abolished altogether.
An important direction of the reforms is also the gradual easing of the centralization of state governance. This includes expanding local self-government and increasing the role of regional authorities. In particular, direct elections of akims of districts and cities of regional subordination are being introduced, which should increase the accountability of local authorities to the population.
The updated Constitution also enshrines the principle that land and subsoil resources belong to the people, and the state exercises ownership rights over them on behalf of the people.
Thus, Kurmanov emphasizes, the changes in the Constitution create the institutional foundations for a new political model of Kazakhstan. The question remains how these changes will be implemented in practice.
