Kazakhstan’s constitutional reset: Top officials facing dismissal

Kazakhstan’s new Constitution officially entered into force on July 1, launching a transition period that will include the formation of new state institutions and the appointment of senior government officials.

Yerlan Sarsembayev, the country’s justice minister, outlined the transition timeline, saying the process is governed by Articles 94, 95 and 96 of the Constitution.

Key appointments expected within two months

According to Sarsembayev, a large-scale restructuring of state institutions will begin immediately after the close of the current parliamentary session.

He said that beginning July 1, six senior officials are expected to be appointed or reappointed within two months. He added that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is then expected to announce the start of the election period for the new unicameral parliament, Kurultai.

The positions expected to be filled during this period include:

• Prosecutor general.
• Chair of the National Bank.
• Chief justice of the Supreme Court.
• Chair of the Supreme Judicial Council.
• Human rights ombudsman.

New legislature to take office in September

Sarsembayev said the second phase of the constitutional transition will begin in September, when the country’s new legislature replaces the existing bicameral Parliament.

According to the justice minister, the current government will resign before the newly elected Kurultai. With the approval of the new legislature, the remaining constitutional appointments — including the vice president and members of the cabinet — will then be made.

Sarsembayev added that the first personnel decisions and details on the status of officials during the two-month transition period will be announced in the coming days.