“Both savings and efficiency“: deputies react to idea of unicameral Parliament in Kazakhstan

Tengrinews.kz – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed creating a unicameral Parliament in Kazakhstan, an initiative that could be decided by a national referendum in 2027. Following his announcement during the annual Address to the Nation, Tengrinews.kz asked deputies what they think of the proposal.
Majilis deputy Bakytzhan Bazarbek said he sees only advantages in the idea.

“I don’t see any downsides at all. It’s about saving resources, speeding up the legislative process, ensuring efficiency, pluralism and political participation,” he said.

Bazarbek suggested a future Parliament could consist of 120–130 deputies.
When asked about salaries, he replied:

“Personally, I believe my salary should be at least 20 million tenge, because I do work worth 20 million.”

He also expressed hope that single-mandate candidates like himself would still have a place in the new structure.
Majilis deputy Azat Peruashev voiced full support, noting that his Ak Zhol party has advocated for such a reform since 2017. He stressed that bicameral systems are more typical for federal states, while in Kazakhstan the Senate mainly acted as a filter, often blocking laws pushed forward by parliamentary parties.

“Such a filter is no longer needed in the context of political liberalization,” he said.

Deputy Sergei Ponomarev highlighted the importance of discussing the proposal openly and in advance.

“This is wise and gives society time to prepare. With six active parties today and potentially more in the future, a unicameral system offers better prospects,” he said, adding that parties like the Greens could gain seats as pluralism expands.

Vice Speaker of the Majilis Albert Rau underlined that the President, as guarantor of the Constitution, has the right to put forward such ideas. At the same time, he said the Senate cannot be called obsolete, as it has served as a balancing mechanism. Rau urged against premature conclusions, noting that the decision ultimately lies with citizens in a referendum.
Tokayev earlier acknowledged that for 30 years the Senate “fulfilled an important historical mission of ensuring stability in state-building”. Under the proposal, the current two-chamber system would remain in place until 2027, when voters could decide on the transition to a unicameral Parliament.