Kazakhstan Outlines Rules, Duties for New Vice President Role

At the inaugural meeting of the Commission on Constitutional Reform, Assistant to the President for Legal Affairs, Yerzhan Zhienbayev, has outlined proposed amendments to introduce the institution of Vice President.

Under the proposals, the Vice President would be appointed by the President with the majority approval of the Qurultay and could be dismissed at the President’s discretion, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

The office would represent Kazakhstan internationally, liaise with the Qurultay, government bodies, and engage with socio-political, scientific, and cultural organizations on behalf of the President.

The creation of the Vice Presidency would replace provisions on the State Counselor in the Constitution. The role would require strict neutrality: the Vice President cannot hold other paid positions, serve as a deputy, engage in business, or be a member of a political party during their term.

Zhienbayev stressed that these measures aim to enhance political competition and ensure equal opportunities for all parties. Earlier, President Tokayev announced the initiative at the fifth meeting of the Ulttyq Qurultay in Kyzylorda, signaling a major constitutional reform.