Kazakhstan to Hold Kurultai Elections in August, Tightens Currency Control

Kazakhstan is set to hold elections for its new unicameral Parliament, the Kurultai, in August. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that the corresponding decree will be signed after the new Constitution comes into force. The announcement was made well in advance to give political parties approximately five months to prepare for the campaign.

In a separate development, the National Bank is strengthening control over foreign exchange transactions. Starting April 19, banks will be required to submit monthly reports on currency operations exceeding established thresholds. For legal entities, this includes transactions from $50,000; for individuals, from $10,000 and non-cash purchases or sales of currency from $1,000. Banks themselves must report their own transactions from $50,000 and all currency purchase/sale deals regardless of amount.

The Ministry of Defense has published an order calling up 3,000 reservists for military training in 2026. The order comes into effect on April 19, 2026. This follows the ongoing spring conscription campaign that began on March 17, which aims to send 21,000 citizens aged 18-27 to military service by June 30.

From April 6 to April 30, an initiative is underway to lift account seizures on funds designated for specific social payments. The Ministry of Justice and the Republican Chamber of Private Bailiffs are removing freezes from accounts receiving salaries, alimony, pension payments, and state benefits. Applications can be submitted via the Adilet.gov mobile app with supporting documentation.

President Tokayev has proposed establishing a new state order named "Al-Farabi" to recognize significant achievements in education, science, culture and spirituality. The first awards for this order—along with the "Meiirim" and "Khoja Ahmed Yasawi" orders—will be presented ahead of Republic Day this year.

In an appointment move Yerbol Tuyakbayev was named First Vice Minister of Labor and Social Protection of Population. Born in 1992 Tuyakbayev is a graduate of L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University and previously headed the social development department within the Government apparatus.