ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 20. President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed establishing the People’s
Council of Kazakhstan (Qazaqstannyn Khalyk Kenesi) as a new
national institution aimed at ensuring regular, inclusive
nationwide dialogue, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh
president.


Tokayev made the proposal during the 5th session of the National
Kurultai held in Kyzylorda.


President Tokayev outlined the next phase of Kazakhstan's
reforms, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive platform or forum
dedicated to ongoing national discussions on pivotal public
development issues. He explained that this new platform would unite
key socio-political organizations and institutions that champion
national unity and cohesion.


In this regard, the president observed that the core functions
of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National
Kurultai had largely been fulfilled, marking a historical milestone
in the country’s development.


Tokayev proposed the creation of a new institution, which would
build upon the strategic continuity of both the Assembly of the
People and the National Kurultai, while further consolidating
Kazakhstan’s statehood and safeguarding its independence.







He also underscored that the People’s Council would serve as a
novel state entity, drawing from the consultative practices of
other nations. The Council would ensure comprehensive
representation, incorporating all ethnic groups, social sectors,
and regions across Kazakhstan.


The People’s Council of Kazakhstan is expected to have the
status of the country’s highest consultative body. Its proposed
composition includes 126 members: 42 representatives from
ethnocultural associations, 42 from major public organizations, and
42 from maslikhats (local representative bodies) and regional
public councils.


All members of the People’s Council would be appointed by the
president, while the chairperson would be elected by the Council
members. The Chairperson would have two deputies appointed on a
rotational basis on a voluntary basis, as well as a head of the
secretariat.


Tokayev also proposed granting the People’s Council the right of
legislative initiative, which, he said, would significantly
strengthen its status. The Council’s highest body would be its
session, to be convened at least once a year.