Kurultai Supreme Representative Body

The Kurultai is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The 2026 Constitution replaces the bicameral structure of the Senate and Mazhilis with a single representative body of 145 deputies elected through a nationwide proportional system. Its constitutional powers are significantly greater than those of the previous parliament.

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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.

Key facts

  • The Kurultai replaces the Senate and Mazhilis
  • It is a unicameral parliament with 145 deputies
  • Its powers expand from 13 to 23 constitutional functions
  • It plays a stronger oversight role through consent and reporting mechanisms
Related questions

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The President is the head of state, guarantor of the Constitution, and protector of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The President ensures the coordinated functioning of all branches of government and represents Kazakhstan domestically and internationally. The 2026 Constitution preserves the presidential form of government and strengthens checks and balances through broader parliamentary consent in key appointments.

Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Vice President is a new constitutional office created to ensure continuity of governance, coordination, and institutional stability. Appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, the Vice President acts on the President's instructions and does not constitute an independently elected political centre.

Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan

The Government is the highest executive body responsible for implementing state policy, managing the economy, social development, and public administration. It is formed by the President and is accountable to both the President and the Kurultai under the new constitutional model.

Constitutional Court

The Constitutional Court is the supreme body of constitutional review, ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. Its decisions are final, binding, and take effect immediately after pronouncement.