Erlan Koshanov praised the CSTO PA observer mission’s work

Erlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, informed the members of the Council of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly about the preliminary results of the referendum on introducing amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan that took place on June 5, 2022, on the eve of the meeting of the CSTO PA Council.
Erlan Koshanov praised the work of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly’s mission of international observers who monitored the voting in the referendum.
“The CSTO Parliamentary Assembly has become an important institution for the harmonization of national legislations of the CSTO Member States and the development of inter-parliamentary cooperation. The Parliament of Kazakhstan intends to further strengthen our constructive interaction within the framework of the Assembly and in the interests of our states and peoples,” said Erlan Koshanov.
Speaking about the amendments and changes to the Constitution that were put to referendum, Erlan Koshanov said that the referendum itself was a response to society’s demand for changes.
“The main focus of the reforms of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, laid down in the constitutional amendments, is on three areas: strengthening the system of protection of human rights and freedoms; accommodation of participation of citizens in the governance of the state and increase of transparency and efficiency of governmental institutions,” noted Erlan Koshanov.
Specifically, the amendments plan a transition from a super-presidential republic to a presidential one, with a strong and influential parliament. There are plans to improve the electoral system and develop local self-government and party-building.
A Constitutional Court will be established in the country and the human rights ombudsman will be given constitutional status. In total, more than 20 laws are to be amended by the end of this year as a result of the referendum.