At the fifth session of the Ulttyq Qurultay in Kyzylorda, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced plans to establish a new consultative platform - the Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council of Kazakhstan).

The new body will build on the experience of the People’s Assembly of Kazakhstan while ensuring broad representation of all ethnic groups, social communities, and regions, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Tokayev noted that the historical missions of both the People’s Assembly and the Ulttyq Qurultay have been fulfilled, paving the way for the creation of the People’s Council.

The president emphasized that the status, powers, and formation procedures of the Khalyk Kenesi will be enshrined in a separate section of the Constitution and regulated by a special constitutional law. The Council will operate strictly within the constitutional framework and include representatives of civil society and public associations.

The People’s Council of Kazakhstan will become a new state body and the country’s supreme consultative institution. Its chairperson will be granted the right of legislative initiative, significantly strengthening the Council’s role in the political system.

The Khalyk Kenesi will comprise 126 members: 42 representatives of ethnocultural associations, 42 members from maslikhats (local assemblies), and 42 representatives of public organizations. Council meetings are expected to be held once a year.

Earlier, President Tokayev also announced plans to introduce the post of Vice President of Kazakhstan, signaling further institutional changes.