New authority to replace the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai

Tengrinews.kz — The Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai have completed their missions. This was stated by Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Speaking at the fifth session of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda, the President proposed establishing a new institution — the People’s Council of Kazakhstan — to replace both bodies.

“At the new stage of reforms, Kazakhstan needs a broad platform or forum for regular nationwide dialogue on all issues of public development. This platform should bring together key socio-political organizations and structures that promote unity and cohesion in our society. In this context, the historically important missions of the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai can be considered successfully completed,” Tokayev said.

As a new institution, the President proposed creating 'Qazaqstannyñ Halyq Keñesi', or the People’s Council of Kazakhstan. The new body will retain the core functions previously carried out by the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai.
The People’s Council will become a new state body, incorporating the experience of consultative institutions from other countries. It will consist of 126 members:

42 representatives from ethno-cultural associations,
42 representatives from maslikhats,
42 representatives from public organizations.

All members of the People’s Council will be appointed by the President, while the chairperson will be elected by the members themselves.
The Chair of the People’s Council will have two deputies appointed on a rotational basis on a voluntary, non-salaried basis, as well as a head of the secretariat.

“The People’s Council should be granted the right of legislative initiative, which would significantly strengthen its status. The highest governing body of the People’s Council will be its session, convened at least once a year. The Council will also assume the core functions of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan related to interethnic and interfaith harmony,” Tokayev said.

In addition, the new body will focus on developing proposals to improve domestic policy, promoting and explaining issues related to state ideology, as well as the provisions of the Constitution and other key state documents.
The People’s Council will also take over responsibility for organizing the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions and other humanitarian forums of national importance.
The status and formation procedure of the People’s Council are expected to be regulated through a separate section of the Constitution and a dedicated constitutional law.
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