Parliament approved amendments to Constitution to prolong powers of President by holding referendum

Daft Law "On amendments to the Constitution of Kazakhstan" was approved at a joint session of the Kazakh Parliament.

Deputy Rakhmet Mukashed said in his speech that a group of Parliament deputies initiated introduction of an amendment to the Main Law. The amendment to paragraph 4, Article 146 provides an opportunity to prolong the powers of the President - Leader of the Nation by holding a referendum.

Besides, the bill includes amendments to paragraph 4, Article 146 of the Constitution introducing "Elbasy" (Leader of the Nation) notion that is enshrined in the Constitutional Law "On the President of Kazakhstan" of 2010.

R.Mykashev noted that earlier the proposal on introduction of the amendments to the Constitution was submitted to the Head of State. However N.Nazarbayev rejected it by the Decree as of January 6.

In case the bill will be supported by deputies of both Houses it might be adopted.

44 Senators out of 44 present and 106 Majilismen out of 106 present voted for adoption of the bill in the first reading.