Kazakhstan’s proposed new Constitution could dramatically reshape the country’s political landscape - including ending the powers of the current Parliament ahead of schedule.

The powers of the existing Parliament would terminate on July 1, 2026, if the new Constitution is adopted. This would pave the way for a transition to a new political structure centered on a unicameral legislature known as the Kurultai, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Under the draft, elections to the Kurultai must be announced by the president within one month of the Constitution’s entry into force and held within two months. Furthermore, within two months of the first session of the Kurultai, the president would be required to appoint a vice president with the consent of the new parliament.

The final draft of the Constitution, published on February 12, also sets the presidential term at seven years. The document states that the president of the Republic of Kazakhstan is to be elected by adult citizens through universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot for a seven-year term.

The draft also allows for the early removal of the president on health grounds. In such cases, the Kurultai would form a special commission comprising deputies and medical experts to assess the situation.

The sweeping reforms come just a day after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree scheduling a nationwide referendum on the new Constitution for March 15. If approved, the date could become Kazakhstan’s new Constitution Day - marking a historic reset of the country’s political system.