A new Constitution: Expert Meeting Held at Maqsut Narikbayev University

An expert meeting dedicated to discussing the draft of the new Constitution was held recently at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU) as part of preparations for the upcoming national referendum. The event was organized jointly with the Akimat of Astana.

The meeting brought together deputies of the Mazhilis of Parliament and local maslikhats, the leadership of Astana, heads of the capital’s universities, and representatives of the financial and IT sectors, culture, youth organizations, and public associations. During the event, participants exchanged views on the key provisions of the draft new Basic Law. The Akim of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, emphasized the significance of the upcoming referendum for the country and noted that the draft Constitution is aimed at ensuring sustainable development of the state and protecting citizens’ rights.

“The main meaning of the new Constitution is the individual and his or her rights. Since the rights and freedoms of citizens are the core of the Basic Law.” Special attention is given to education, science, culture, and innovation — these are strategic priorities of the state. The draft provides for the formation of a unicameral Parliament — Quryltai — as well as the creation of a new platform for nationwide dialogue, the “Kazakhstan People’s Council,” Zhenis Kassymbek noted.

The Akim of the capital stressed that the document enshrines the idea of a “Just Kazakhstan,” the principle of “Law and Order,” and the development of human capital. The meeting also featured remarks by Human Rights Commissioner Artur Lastaev; Mazhilis deputies Marat Bashimov and Serik Yegizbayev; Chief Financial Officer of the Astana International Exchange Zharas Musabekov; Chair of the youth wing “Zhastar Ruhy” of the Amanat party Akerke Iskanderova; and CEO of the edtech company CodiPlay Danabek Kaliazhdarov. Deputy Marat Bashimov emphasized the importance of the human rights potential of the draft Constitution.

“The human rights potential of the Constitution is based on the doctrine of natural rights: a person is born — and rights belong to him or her from birth. We have strengthened guarantees of personal, political, socio-economic, and cultural rights. The Constitution enshrines popular sovereignty, has supreme legal force and direct effect. The sole source of state power is the people of Kazakhstan,” Marat Bashimov stressed.

Earlier, MNU also hosted a roundtable discussion titled “New Constitution – A New Stage in the Development of Statehood.” The draft of the new Basic Law was also presented and explained to the university’s students.