What the Kurultai is
The Kurultai is the supreme representative body of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the 2026 Constitution. It replaces the previous bicameral Parliament, which consisted of the Senate and the Mazhilis.
Structure
Under the new model:
- the Kurultai is unicameral
- it consists of 145 deputies
- deputies are elected through a nationwide proportional system
- legislative responsibility is concentrated in one chamber
Why replace the bicameral system
The 2026 Constitution reflects the view that the experience of the bicameral parliament showed several limits:
- coordination between two chambers slowed the legislative process
- duplication of functions reduced efficiency
- responsibility was diffused across separate institutions
A unicameral structure is presented as a way to improve:
- transparency
- speed
- personal accountability of deputies
Powers
The Kurultai’s constitutional powers are expanded from 13 to 23 functions.
These include:
- adopting laws and constitutional amendments subject to the constitutional procedure
- approving the republican budget
- ratifying international treaties
- giving consent to key appointments
- hearing Government reports
- expressing no confidence in the Government
- calling presidential elections in cases established by law
- approving decisions related to war or use of the Armed Forces where constitutionally required
Role in checks and balances
The Kurultai is not only a law-making body. It is also a central institution of oversight.
By requiring consent for major appointments and by hearing reports from the Government and other institutions, it becomes more influential in the system of checks and balances.
Why this matters
The transition to the Kurultai is one of the most visible institutional changes in the entire constitutional reform because it reshapes how representation, legislation, and oversight work at the national level.