Deputies may be granted new powers, Tokayev says

Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed granting new powers to members of Kazakhstan’s Parliament. He made the statement during the V session of the National Kurultai in Kyzylorda.
Tokayev reiterated his proposal to rename Kazakhstan’s Parliament to Kurultai. He also said that the number of deputies could change and may reach 145, provided the initiative is approved through a nationwide referendum.

“It is also proposed to grant deputies of the country’s highest representative body the authority to elect all judges of the Supreme Court upon the President’s nomination,” Tokayev said.

Under current legislation, candidates for Supreme Court judges are recommended by the Supreme Judicial Council, approved by the President, and then elected by the Senate.

“This would be a major step in the development of Kazakhstani parliamentarism and in strengthening the system of checks and balances between branches of power,” the President added.

Tokayev noted that, under the current Constitution, the authority to form the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Audit Chamber, and the Central Election Commission is shared among the Mazhilis, the Senate, and the President.

“Now it is proposed that the appointment of all members of these key state institutions be carried out exclusively with the consent of Parliament,” Tokayev said.

If the proposed constitutional amendments are adopted, parliamentarians will gain a number of new powers.