# What the Kazakhstan People’s Council Is

> The Kazakhstan People’s Council is the highest constitutional consultative body representing the interests of the people. It has 126 members, with 42 drawn from each of three groups – ethnocultural associations, public and other non-profit organisations, and maslikhats and public councils. It may issue recommendations, introduce bills in the Kurultai, and initiate a nationwide vote.

Canonical URL: https://constitution.my/p/peoples-council?lang=en
Language: en
Updated: 2026-07-26

Section: Civic Participation

## Status and purpose

The Kazakhstan People’s Council is the **highest constitutional consultative body** representing the interests of the people. It participates in shaping and implementing public policy through national dialogue, public consultation, and recommendations.

## Membership

The law establishes **126 members** in three equal groups:

- 42 from ethnocultural associations;
- 42 from public associations and other non-profit organisations;
- 42 from maslikhats and public councils of the capital, regions, and cities of national significance.

The Secretariat prepares membership proposals, and the President approves the composition. Members serve four-year terms.

## Powers

The Council may:

- prepare proposals and recommendations on domestic policy;
- **introduce bills in the Kurultai**;
- initiate the calling of a republican referendum;
- hold public forums, consultations, and hearings;
- exercise public oversight in forms permitted by law.

Recommendations sent to public authorities and officials must be considered, but they do not themselves replace legislation or a decision by the competent authority.

## How it works

The Session is the highest governing body. An ordinary session is convened as necessary, but **at least once a year**. Its date, venue, and agenda must be announced in the media at least 30 days in advance. The structure also includes the Toralqa (Presidium), and may include committees, commissions, and working groups.

[Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People’s Council](https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z2600000298)

## Key Facts

- 126 members: 42 representatives from each of three groups
- The President approves the composition; members serve four-year terms
- The Council has legislative initiative and may initiate a referendum
- An ordinary session is held at least once a year
- Recommendations sent to public authorities must be considered

## Checked sources

- [Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan](https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000) – Adilet Legal Information System (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council](https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298) – Adilet Legal Information System (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council](https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343) – Adilet Legal Information System (checked 2026-07-16)

## Qaz.Vision context

> Президент отметил, что Халық Кеңесі – это уникальная диалоговая площадка, которая будет выполнять важную роль в построении Справедливого Казахстана.

- Касым-Жомарт Токаев, Президент
- [Source document](https://qaz.vision/dokument/3131)
- Evidence: `attributed_speech; atom:9346; unreviewed`

> Сейчас мы вступаем в новый этап политической модернизации. Среди главных реформ – создание однопалатного Парламента и Халық Кеңесі, а также введение поста Вице-президента. Высшим приоритетом нации провозглашаются права и свободы человека, а такие ценности, как единство, межэтническое и межконфессиональное согласие составляют основу нашей государственности.

- Касым-Жомарт Токаев, Президент
- [Source document](https://qaz.vision/dokument/76)
- Evidence: `direct_quote; atom:619; unreviewed`

> Конституция вступит в силу с 1 июля. В августе состоятся выборы в однопалатный Курултай, а в сентябре будет сформирован Қазақстан Халық Кеңесі. Таким образом, мы вступаем в период больших изменений.

- Касым-Жомарт Токаев, Президент
- [Source document](https://qaz.vision/dokument/96)
- Evidence: `direct_quote; atom:663; unreviewed`

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Source: https://constitution.my/p/peoples-council?lang=en
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