What is the Kurultai
Under the new Constitution, the Kurultai is the sole legislative body of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It replaces the former bicameral system (Mazhilis of 107 deputies + Senate of 50 senators).
Composition
- 145 deputies – elected for 5-year terms
- Election procedure to be determined by the constitutional law on the Kurultai
- The 2026 Constitution envisions a mixed system: some elected by party lists, others from single-mandate districts
Powers
- Adoption of laws and constitutional laws
- Budget approval
- Consent to appointment of key officials (on the President's nomination)
- Oversight of Government activities
- Up to 23 committees (vs. 13 in the former Mazhilis)
When It Starts Working
- Constitutional law on the Kurultai – expected in 2026
- Elections to the Kurultai – presumably 2026–2027
- Until formation, the current parliament continues under transitional provisions
Fact
If the Kurultai twice refuses the President's nominees, the President may dissolve it (Art. 4 of the 2026 Constitution).