In a new analytical piece, Elnar Berikbayev, Head of the Strategic Analysis Department at the Kazakh Institute for Strategic Studies, examines how the proposed Kurultai and the creation of the People’s Council could open new pathways for democratic development in Kazakhstan, strengthening public participation, institutional inclusiveness, and the role of dialogue in national decision-making.
Speaking at the National Kurultai (assembly) in Kyzylorda, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed naming Kazakhstan’s new Parliament the “Kurultai” calling it a truly people-centered title rooted in history and tradition.
The Kazakh leader noted that the word “Kurultai” reflects Kazakhstan’s historical memory, the tradition of collective deliberation, and the spirit of public participation in decision-making. Rather than symbolizing formal authority, it evokes an assembly where society’s voice is heard-where dialogue, consensus, and responsibility to citizens take precedence.
President Tokayev stressed that the new Parliament must be composed of genuine patriots and highly qualified professionals. He noted that the total number of parliamentary mandates, by general consensus, should be set at 145. The president underlined that the quality of legislation, national development, and citizens’ well-being depend directly on lawmakers’ competence and sense of responsibility. True professionalism, he said, requires a deep understanding of policy consequences, engagement with experts, and attentiveness to public opinion, while patriotism is demonstrated through service to the people-not slogans.
The head of state added that the new parliamentary structure would enhance legislative efficiency and allow greater focus on the country’s development priorities. The Parliament would be elected for a five-year term.
Tokayev also announced the creation of a new body-the People’s Council of Kazakhstan (Halyq Kenesi)-which will incorporate the experience of the Assembly of the People and ensure representation of all ethnic groups and segments of society. The council will comprise 126 members: 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations, 42 from maslikhats (local representative body), and 42 from civil society organizations. Its sessions will be held once a year.
The president emphasized that the status and formation procedure of the People’s Council will be enshrined in a separate section of the Constitution and regulated by a special constitutional law. The council will function strictly within the constitutional framework.
“Kazakhstan’s People’s Council will become a new state body that draws on the experience of advisory institutions in other countries,” Tokayev said. “All ethnic groups, social strata, and regions will be represented. The council will hold the status of the country’s highest consultative body, and its chairperson will be granted the right of legislative initiative, significantly strengthening its role.”
In his address, President Tokayev also underscored the state’s duty to safeguard traditional cultural values, counter the promotion of immoral behavior, and firmly protect the rights, freedoms, honor, and dignity of all citizens. At the same time, he stressed that no one has the right to impose their views on others-a principle that lies at the heart of secularism.
The state, he noted, is not a moral arbiter determining which beliefs are “right” or “wrong.” Its role is to ensure equal space for all. History shows that most conflicts arise not from differing views, but from attempts to impose one worldview on others. Secularism, Tokayev concluded, serves as a shield for freedom of belief-protecting everyone, regardless of their convictions-and respect for others’ boundaries remains the foundation of peaceful coexistence.
