BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 22. The
first session of Kazakhstan’s Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council) will
be held in Astana on September 23-24, 2026, according to a
presidential decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on
September 22.
Earlier today, Tokayev signed a decree approving the
composition of the People’s Council.
The council comprises 126 representatives of public
councils and associations, maslikhats, ethnic and cultural
organizations, trade unions, business, science, education, culture,
sports and media, as well as public figures, veterans of the
diplomatic service and representatives of the non-governmental
sector from various regions of Kazakhstan.
In January 2026, Tokayev proposed establishing the
People’s Council. Its creation is provided for by Kazakhstan’s new
Constitution, which entered into force on July 1, 2026.
According to Akorda, the People’s Council is the
supreme constitutional consultative body representing the interests
of the people of Kazakhstan.
Its main purpose is to ensure representation of the
interests of the people in public administration through
consultative participation in the formulation and implementation of
state policy.
The council is tasked with organizing nationwide
dialogue on key areas of domestic policy, strengthening public
accord, national unity and solidarity, and promoting the
fundamental principles of Kazakhstan and nationwide values.
The People’s Council is authorized to develop
proposals and recommendations on domestic policy, submit draft laws
to the Kurultai of Kazakhstan and initiate a nationwide
referendum.
It will also cooperate with government bodies,
organizations, civil society institutions and international
organizations, organize public consultations, hearings and other
platforms for nationwide dialogue, and participate in public
awareness activities.
