The draft of the country’s new Basic Law was developed as a result of a comprehensive analysis of proposals from citizens, political parties, public organizations, and experts, open public discussions, and a detailed elaboration of new norms and provisions. The starting point for the constitutional reform was the initiative of the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to establish a unicameral Parliament in Kazakhstan.

The Head of the working group, N.M. Kadyrgaliyev, a professor in the Department of General Educational disciplines and and a candidate of historical sciences, presented in detail the amendments made to the draft constitution, which consists of 11 sections and 95 articles. Nurbulat Mendygalievich noted such innovations as the kurultai, the halyk kenesi, and Article 27, Part 1: “Everyone has the right to work, to freely choose a profession and occupation.” Article 30, Part 2: “Marriage is a voluntary and equal union of a man and a woman,” which is registered by the state in accordance with the law. He also proposed reducing the number of deputies in the kurultai from 145 to 125 (in order to save state funds).

Uabieva A.A., Associate Professor of the Department of General Educational disciplines, fully supports Article 9 (Clause 2 of Article 22) on the status of Kazakh as the state language and Russian as the official language: “Everyone has the right to use their native language and culture, to freely choose the language of communication, upbringing, education, and creativity.” All of this contributes to strengthening interethnic and interfaith harmony in the country.

Kulmatov S.Ya., Associate Professor of the Department of General Educational disciplines and a member of the working group, described in detail the changes made to Section 9 (Articles 87-91) on local government and self-government, the role of akimats and maslikhats, and their growing importance.