Toqayev Highlights Nazarbayev’s Role in Constitution, Notes Reforms Since 2022

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev spoke at a conference marking the 30th anniversary of Kazakhstan’s Constitution, stressing both the historic contribution of Nursultan Nazarbayev and the significant reforms introduced in recent years, Orda.kz reports.

Toqayev underlined that Nazarbayev was instrumental in the adoption of the 1995 Constitution:

In 1993, the first fundamental law of sovereign Kazakhstan was approved, which defined our constitutional structure. However, it soon became clear that a new Constitution was needed that would correspond to the changed realities. In this regard, a special council was created. Foreign experts were also invited. Millions of citizens took part in the discussion of the draft. Speaking about the Constitution, it is important to pay tribute to the hard work of the first president, Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev.

The Constitution has been amended six times in the past three decades.

Toqayev noted, however, that the most important changes were made following the January 2022 events:

Time does not stand still. Over 30 years, the basic law has been amended six times. But it would be true to say that the most important constitutional changes, which radically transformed our political and legal system, were adopted three years ago. At that time, many suggested passing the amendments through parliament. But, despite the difficulties, a different path was chosen.

Among the reforms was the shift away from a “super-presidential” model toward a new balance of power:

The principle of 'a strong president – an influential parliament – an accountable government' was established. The most important political and legal innovation of historical significance was the rule on electing the president for one term of seven years. This had never happened in Kazakhstan before.

Political processes have become much more understandable, predictable and transparent. A barrier has been put up to nepotism in power.

Toqayev acknowledged that his 2022 initiatives were initially met with skepticism and resistance, but stressed that the reforms are irreversible:

No one will be able to reverse the process of building a Fair Kazakhstan that has begun. The young citizens of our country, first of all, will not allow us to return to the past. The educated generation of young people is looking to the future; they want to see Kazakhstan as a civilized state, keeping pace with the demands of the new era.

The president also announced that his upcoming address to the nation will focus on economic and social issues.

The event concluded with Toqayev presenting state and anniversary awards.

Original Auhtor: Zarina Fayzulina