ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed holding a national referendum in 2027 on transitioning Kazakhstan to a unicameral parliament, which would abolish the Senate, the legislature’s upper chamber.
Photo credit: Akorda
He stressed that such a reform would mark a new stage in the country’s political transformation and must be carried out only with the full consent of the people.
In his Sept. 8 address to the nation, Tokayev described parliamentary reform as the logical continuation of Kazakhstan’s broader modernization efforts, following earlier changes to presidential authority and the promotion of a strong President, an influential Parliament, and an accountable Government principle, which citizens endorsed in the 2022 referendum, reported Akorda.
“The Senate was created in 1995 in difficult political conditions and has honorably fulfilled its historical mission of ensuring stability. … Despite this, I propose that Kazakhstan consider creating a unicameral Parliament in the foreseeable future,” Tokayev said.
The President emphasized that the issue requires a wide public debate involving civil society, experts, and current lawmakers, noting that the discussion could last at least a year before the referendum is held. If citizens support the reform, constitutional amendments would follow, and all deputies would thereafter be elected solely by party lists, in line with global parliamentary traditions.
Under the proposed timeline, the current Mazhilis, the lower chamber, will continue its legislative work until the end of its term, while the Senate will remain in place until the referendum results are finalized and new elections are held. Tokayev said this approach would give political parties sufficient time to prepare for open competition.
Addressing why he announced the reform well in advance, Tokayev underlined his commitment to transparency.
“Such a large-scale reform cannot be kept secret from society. On fateful matters, we must conduct an open dialogue with the people,” he stated, adding that only through joint efforts could Kazakhstan build a just and strong state.
