Developing public dialogue and consolidating the country’s citizens are the main goals behind the establishment of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi (People’s Council). President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke about this today at the first session of the highest consultative body. The Head of State outlined the tasks facing its members, emphasizing the constitutional status and special place of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi in the country’s political system. The President noted that he had long planned to establish a special institution where issues could be openly discussed, citizens’ proposals analyzed, and concrete solutions developed. The name of the new body also fully reflects its nationwide character.
«Effective, well-developed initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity will be implemented through the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi. In this regard, I would like to once again draw attention to the constitutional status of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi. This step opens up tremendous opportunities. However, it is essential to take into account that the Khalyk Kenesi is not an alternative to the Kurultai. Members of the Khalyk Kenesi will not engage in activities that fall within the competence of the Kurultai, nor will they interfere in the work of its members,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted.
The main task now is to ensure coordinated and complementary work between the Khalyk Kenesi and the Kurultai, President Tokayev noted. This means that the committees of the two institutions must establish ongoing dialogue and synergy. In addition, the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi should preserve the unique experience and best practices of the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan and the National Kurultai. At the same time, all work should be brought to a qualitatively new political and organizational level, the Head of State emphasized.
«The Khalyk Kenesi will be tasked with consolidating ethnocultural associations and other public organizations working in this area. At the regional level, the Kogamdyk Kelisim network based at Houses of Friendship will continue its work. Ethnocultural associations will be represented in local public councils and will be able to participate in the work of standing committees, sectoral commissions, and advisory and consultative bodies of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said.
Another important task for the Khalyk Kenesi is to establish close cooperation with the regions and develop a set of measures to support them. When discussing nationwide issues, the President emphasized, the potential of public councils should also be utilized. To this end, legislation will need to be improved. In addition, the highest advisory body will contribute to the development of civil society institutions. The President also said that the elections to maslikhats at all levels will be the final stage of the large-scale transformation of the public administration system.
«Therefore, in the near future, I will hold consultations with the Prime Minister and the Chairman of the Kurultai on the early termination of the powers of maslikhats at all levels, following which I will sign the relevant decree. After that, the Central Election Commission will need to determine the date of the upcoming elections,» Kassym-Jomart Tokayev added.
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