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Kazakstan
Government and Politics
In 1995 Kazakstan passed through a period of political turmoil
that fundamentally changed the shape of the republic's government
and political forces. The republic came under direct presidential
rule in March 1995, and a new constitution adopted shortly thereafter
strengthened the power of the executive. Presidential elections,
originally scheduled for sometime in 1996, were postponed until
December 2000 after a 1995 referendum provided the basis for such
an extension.
Constitution
In May 1995, Nazarbayev convened a council of experts to draw
up a new constitution under his guidance. The resulting constitution
was adopted in August 1995 by a popular referendum. The official
participation figure, 90 percent, and the fairness of this vote
were contested by opposition groups. The constitution guarantees
equal rights to all nationalities and prescribes both Kazak and
Russian as "official" state languages, suitable for use in government
documents and education. The president and the legislature, the
Supreme Kenges (Supreme Soviet), are to be elected by universal
adult suffrage for five-year terms. The president is head of state.
The second component of the executive branch is the Council of
Ministers, key members of which are presidential appointees. The
prime minister, as head of the Council of Ministers, appoints
the other ministers.
Data as of March 1996
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