President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to create a new position of vice president, as well as the possible abolition of the post of state advisor. These changes were announced at the National Kurultai.
According to Tokayev, the vice president will perform numerous tasks, including representing Kazakhstan's interests at international forums and participating in negotiations with foreign delegations. He will also represent the president in parliament and interact with various public, scientific, and cultural organizations. These functions are planned to be detailed in the Constitution. Additionally, there is an expectation to optimize some structures supporting the activities of parliament and to abolish the position of state advisor.
The president noted that the structure and functions of the presidential administration will be reformed in accordance with political conditions. The position of vice president already exists in a number of countries and, according to Tokayev, its establishment will improve state governance and clarify the issue of power hierarchy. He emphasized that this constitutional innovation will not weaken presidential power, but rather confirm its centralization.
Tokayev also made an important proposal regarding presidential elections. He reminded that according to the current Constitution, if the president is unable to perform his duties, the powers transition to the chairman of the Senate, and in his absence — to other officials.
“It should be established that in the event of the president's early departure, extraordinary elections must be held within two months. The legitimacy of power must be ensured through elections,” he emphasized.
At the V meeting of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, Tokayev also proposed to rename the country's parliament. He presented the new name — “Kurultai,” as a key initiative of the working group.
Within the framework of the new unicameral parliament, 8 committees and 145 deputies (instead of the current 148) may be created, with a term of office of 5 years. Tokayev proposed to abolish the presidential quota and the quota for the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan in the new parliament.
