Deputy Questions Use of “Elbasy” in Criminal Code

At a Majilis meeting, Deputy Kazybek Isa raised concerns about inconsistencies between Kazakhstan’s legislation and the Constitution, Orda.kz reports.

He submitted an official inquiry to the Minister of Internal Affairs, pointing to the continued use of the term “Elbasy” in the Criminal Code— specifically, in Article 373.

The article addresses offenses such as “public insult and other encroachment on the honor and dignity of the first President of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Elbasy, desecration of images of the first president – Elbasy, and obstruction of his lawful activities.”

Isa reminded lawmakers that in January 2023, the Law “On the First President – Elbasy”, adopted in 2013, was officially repealed. As a result, the legal concept of “Elbasy” is no longer in force and should be removed from all legislation.

Nonetheless, the term remains in effect in several legal documents, including the Criminal Code.

Why does the law still use the term ‘Elbasy’ and not just ‘first President’? This concept was introduced on December 14, 2013 by the law on the status of the first President. But in January 2023, the seventh convocation of the Majilis repealed this law. Then why are these norms still in place now? The deputy said.

In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs said changes have already been initiated. In spring 2025, deputies of the eighth convocation developed a draft law aimed at aligning the Criminal Code with the Constitution and current legal norms.

This bill has already been sent to the Senate. It includes changes, in particular, the reference to ‘Elbasy’ has been removed from the text, replacing it with neutral wording in accordance with the current version of the legislation,
 the Ministry stated.

The Senate is expected to approve the changes in the near future.

Original Author: Dinara Bekbolayeva