Kazakhstan to Establish New Consultative Body with Legislative Initiative Rights

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced the creation of a new consultative body in Kazakhstan, which will be granted the right of legislative initiative. The institution, to be named the People's Council (Halıq Keŏesı), was unveiled during the President's address to the public in the Turkestan region.

"I place great hopes on the People's Council, which will be established as a new consultative body," stated Tokayev. "This structure will discuss the most pressing issues of socio-political life and also submit draft laws for consideration by the Kurultai. In other words, the People's Council will have the right of legislative initiative."

The announcement came as part of President Tokayev's working trip to Turkestan region on Saturday, March 21. His visit commenced with a stop at one of the sacred sites of the Turkic world—the mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi—before he proceeded to deliver his speech.