Kazakhstan establishes new unicameral parliament named Qurultai

Kazakhstan is undergoing a significant institutional transformation following the implementation of a new Constitution. Approved by national referendum on March 15, 2026, and effective as of July 1, the new framework establishes a new state power architecture.

A central feature of this reform is the establishment of the Qurultai, a unicameral parliament consisting of 145 deputies. These representatives are to be elected through universal, equal, and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

The term ‘Qurultai’ carries deep historical significance in the Eurasian steppes, dating back to the Middle Ages when it referred to assemblies of influential representatives. Notably, it was during such an assembly in 1206 that Temujin was proclaimed Genghis Khan. While the modern institution is not a restoration of medieval political systems, the use of the name reflects an effort to connect contemporary state development with historical memory.