Kazakh President Outlines Constitutional Reforms to Curb Nepotism and Strengthen Checks

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has stated that the adoption of a new constitutional project will establish a fundamentally new and more effective political system in Kazakhstan, ensuring long-term sustainable development. He made these remarks during the III Republican Forum of Deputies of Maslikhats at all levels.

A key innovation in the draft Constitution is the introduction of term limits for high-ranking judicial and prosecutorial officials. According to the proposed amendments, the same person cannot be appointed as Chairman or judge of the Constitutional Court, Chairman of the Supreme Court, or Prosecutor General more than once. President Tokayev described this single-term limit for top state officials as an "unprecedented political innovation."

He emphasized that these changes would strengthen the system of checks and balances. "At the same time, the powers of the Kurultai to lift immunity from judges of the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court and to approve the appointment of the Prime Minister are preserved. This will enhance the system of checks and balances, making it more effective," Tokayev noted.

The President also highlighted another significant change: the elimination of a presidential quota in the new unicameral Parliament. He acknowledged that some proposals suggested retaining such a quota but firmly stated his position: "Nevertheless, I believe deputies should be elected under uniform rules, without any exceptions or privileges."

Tokayev called a norm prohibiting presidential relatives from holding political offices or leadership positions in quasi-state sectors a fundamental principle. "This provision creates a reliable barrier against nepotism and excessive concentration of power," he said.

He added that individual "influential" personalities—so-called grey cardinals or behind-the-scenes puppeteers—should not substitute state institutions. "This practice will irrevocably sink into oblivion," concluded President Tokayev.