Kazakhstan dissolves its bicameral parliament as Tokayev's new constitution takes effect

The Senate and Mazhilis hold their final joint sitting June 30; on July 1 the 1995 constitution is replaced by a charter creating a unicameral Kurultai of 145 deputies, with elections scheduled for August

Summary

Kazakhstan's bicameral parliament held its final joint sitting on June 30, 2026, before the new constitution takes effect July 1, replacing the Senate and Mazhilis with a unicameral Kurultai of 145 deputies elected by party list. The constitution, approved 87% in a March 15 referendum and signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on March 17, rewrote 84% of the 1995 charter and reinstates the office of Vice President. Kurultai elections are scheduled for August 2026.

Why it matters

The constitutional overhaul is the most sweeping institutional change in Kazakhstan since independence. Critics say eliminating the Senate removes the main check on the Mazhilis, concentrating legislative power in a single chamber dependent on Tokayev's Amanat-aligned parties; Tokayev frames it as democratic simplification ahead of a more competitive Kurultai vote.

原始记录 · 1

Library of Congress Global Legal Monitor2026年5月27日 — Primary legal record of the new constitution's adoption following the March 15 referendum (87% support, 73% turnout) and Tokayev's signing on March 17; documents the structural changes including the Kurultai's formation, powers, and electoral rules.

各地视角 · 3

▸ State-affiliated Kazakhstani English-language daily; primary record for the Senate's final session and transition timeline

The Astana Times · Kazakhstan · en

Reported that Kazakhstan's Senate held its final session as the country prepared for the July 1 transition to a unicameral legislature, describing the institutional handover ahead of the Kurultai election expected in August.

“Kazakhstan's Senate holds final session as country prepares for transition to unicameral parliament.”

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▸ Almaty-based independent regional outlet; captured the political dynamics of the outgoing parliament's final budget sitting as a pre-election campaign rehearsal

The Times Of Central Asia · Kazakhstan · en

Reported that the June 26 budget session functioned as a dress rehearsal for the Kurultai election campaign, with outgoing deputies using their final public platform ahead of the August vote.

“Kurultai election campaign takes shape in parliament's final budget debate.”

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▸ Indo-Pacific affairs journal; assessed the constitution as consolidating presidential power despite bicameral-to-unicameral framing as reform

The Diplomat · United States · en

Argued that replacing the Senate with the Kurultai centralises legislative authority under the presidency, as the Kurultai's powers depend more heavily on presidential initiative than the outgoing bicameral structure.

“Kazakhstan's new constitution: reform or power consolidation?”

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