A roundtable discussion titled "The Presidency in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Transition to a New Constitutional Model" was held at the Presidential Center of the DPA RK.
Kazakhstan's current stage of political development is marked by significant institutional transformation, following the adoption of a new Constitution through a national referendum on March 15, 2026.
«The institution of the presidency in the Republic of Kazakhstan serves as the central component of the nation's public administration system and the core of strategic decision-making. Since the establishment of the post of President of the Kazakh SSR on April 24, 1990, the presidency has evolved in response to contemporary challenges, thereby ensuring national stability during critical periods. The adoption of a new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan through a national referendum on March 15, 2026, represented a logical progression of institutional reforms. The ideology and content of this Basic Law are structured around the principle of 'Strong President – Influential Parliament – Accountable Government,' which now serves as a strategic framework for the republic's political modernization. In practical terms, this is reflected in the transition to a unicameral parliament, the introduction of the post of vice president, the creation of the highest advisory body, the Kazakhstan People’s Council, with the right to legislative initiative, and more», said Bakytzhan Temirbolat, Director of the Presidential Center of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in his opening remarks.
The Basic Law explicitly defines the structure and role of the presidency as a central component of public administration and strategic decision-making. The 2026 Constitution introduces systemic, rather than fragmentary, changes to the status and powers of the President, fundamentally impacting the organization of state power.
"The institution of the presidency in Kazakhstan possesses distinct features that align with the nation's developmental experience and achievements in politics and economics. Notably, the presidency has become the most democratic institution for organizing power and governance. K.K. Tokayev established a new political tradition in the country: beginning the first session of Parliament after the summer holidays with an Address to the Nation. By opening the new political season, the President identifies key trends for the coming year and reviews the outcomes of the previous year. The political transformations initiated by the Head of State are foundational, establishing new political traditions and culture that will support further modernization. The primary and central goal of the reforms is to further strengthen the institutional foundations of the political system," noted Azhar Sagandykova, a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The new Constitution establishes mechanisms that reinforce the presidency, including the authority to appoint key officials and shape new political institutions. The introduction of the vice president position has become a tool to strengthen the presidential vertical. It aims to institutionalize the succession mechanism. At the same time, the system of checks and balances between the President, the Kurultai, and other branches of government is being strengthened.
During the roundtable, participants examined the transformation of the presidency in Kazakhstan within the context of the newly adopted 2026 Constitution. The discussion aimed to outline the changes, assess their systemic consequences, and outline the future direction of Kazakhstan's statehood model. The event included addresses from Zhapsarbay Kuanyshev, Chief Researcher at the Institute of State History and Doctor of Political Science; Alkey Margulanuly, Deputy Executive Director of the Nursultan Nazarbayev Foundation; and Adil Seifullin, Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The roundtable served as a significant platform for constructive dialogue and the exchange of perspectives on the presidency's role in shaping effective public policy and advancing national modernization.
