Commission members propose adopting new Constitution, Tokayev says

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said members of Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Commission concluded that the scale of proposed changes to the country’s Basic Law may require adopting a new Constitution, speaking at a Volunteers Forum in Astana.
Tokayev said he has been closely following the Commission’s meetings and noted that, during debates held the previous day, members reached the view that the reform package goes beyond standard amendments.

“Yesterday, during debates, Commission members came to the conclusion that the scale of the proposed changes to the Basic Law allows us to speak about the need to adopt a new Constitution. Indeed, the proposed amendments are not only aimed at institutional and legal modernization, but—what is practically important—transform, reboot the entire state matrix,” Tokayev said.

He added that the outlines of a “conceptually new document” have become clear—one that incorporates the ideals, principles and priorities of modern Kazakhstan and reflects the country’s focus on future development.
At the same time, Tokayev emphasized the importance of the current Constitution, noting its role in the development of Kazakhstan as an independent state and recalling that its 30th anniversary was widely marked on August 30 last year.

“Of course, no one has the right to deny the great significance of the current Constitution, which played a special role in the development of Kazakhstan as a new independent state. Therefore, on August 30 last year we widely celebrated its 30th anniversary,” he said.

A separate part of the President’s speech focused on the Constitutional Commission itself. Tokayev said it includes representatives from all regions and various groups of citizens, as well as elected officials, heads of central executive bodies, legal scholars, linguists and youth activists.

“It can be stated with confidence that the composition of this Commission, in terms of its scope, professionalism and civic responsibility, is unprecedented for our country,” he said.

Tokayev also said the Commission’s work has given a strong impulse to the country’s socio-political life, noting that five meetings have already been held and livestreamed on social media, with broad coverage in the media.
He expressed confidence that Kazakhstan will ultimately receive a Basic Law that will serve as a “guide” for the united people of Kazakhstan.
During the same event, the President also said volunteers from other countries will be involved in initiatives aimed at supporting the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea region.