Parliament of Kazakhstan

Parliament of Kazakhstan. The Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the supreme representative body of the republic exercising legislative functions. Established by the Constitution of Kazakhstan adopted in 1995, it operates as a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the Mazhilis. The Parliament convenes in the capital city of Astana, and its powers, formation, and procedures are defined by constitutional law and the nation's foundational legal document.

History

The origins of a modern legislative body in Kazakhstan trace back to the Supreme Soviet of the Kazakh SSR, which existed during the era of the Soviet Union. Following independence in 1991, the unicameral Supreme Council served as the first parliament. The adoption of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan in 1995, following a national referendum, fundamentally restructured the legislature, establishing the current bicameral system. This change was part of broader political reforms initiated by the first President, Nursultan Nazarbayev, shifting from a Soviet republic model to a presidential republic. Significant constitutional amendments were later passed via a 2017 referendum and subsequent acts, which redistributed some powers from the presidency to the Parliament, notably enhancing the role of the Mazhilis in approving the Prime Minister and the government's program.

Structure and composition

The Parliament is bicameral, comprising the upper house, the Senate, and the lower house, the Mazhilis. The Senate consists of 50 members: 40 are indirectly elected by the maslikhats (local representative bodies) of the regions and the cities of Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent, while 10 are appointed by the President of Kazakhstan. Senators serve six-year terms, with half of the elected members renewed every three years. The Mazhilis has 98 deputies elected for a five-year term: 69 are elected from single-mandate territorial districts, and 29 are elected through a party-list proportional representation system from a single nationwide constituency. The presiding officers are the Chairman of the Senate and the Chairman of the Mazhilis.

Powers and functions

The Parliament holds exclusive legislative power, including the adoption of constitutional laws, the republican budget, and the approval of international treaties. It exercises oversight over the executive branch, particularly through the Mazhilis, which approves the appointment of the Prime Minister and the government's program. The Parliament also has the authority to initiate amendments to the Constitution of Kazakhstan, declare a state of war following a proposal from the President of Kazakhstan, and give consent to the use of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Kazakhstan abroad. Joint sessions of the chambers are convened to hear addresses by the President on the nation's domestic and foreign policy and to take the oath of the President.

Legislative process

The legislative process typically begins with the introduction of a draft law, which can be initiated by the President of Kazakhstan, the Government of Kazakhstan, deputies of the Mazhilis, or the Senate itself. Most bills are first considered by the Mazhilis; if passed by a majority, they are sent to the Senate. The Senate may approve, reject, or propose changes. A bill rejected by the Senate can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in the Mazhilis. Bills concerning state finances, changes to state borders, or ratification of international treaties must originate in the Mazhilis. Finally, enacted laws are signed by the President, who holds the right of veto, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

Elections and membership

Elections to the Mazhilis are conducted according to a mixed electoral system as administered by the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan. The most recent parliamentary elections were held in March 2023. Candidates for deputy must be citizens of Kazakhstan who are at least 25 years old and have permanently resided in the country for the last ten years. Elections to the Senate are indirect, with electors being members of local maslikhats. Membership in the Parliament is incompatible with holding any other paid position except teaching, research, or creative activities, and deputies enjoy legal immunity.

Political parties and factions

Political life within the Parliament is organized through factions representing political parties that have crossed the electoral threshold. Historically, the ruling Nur Otan party (renamed Amanat in 2022) dominated the Mazhilis. Following the 2023 Kazakh legislative election, six parties gained representation, creating a more pluralistic composition. Key parties with factions include Amanat, Auyl, Respublica, Aq Jol, the National Social Democratic Party, and the Kazakhstan People's Party. The formation of a parliamentary majority is crucial for confirming the Government of Kazakhstan and its program.