Part 4 Constitutionalism and Separation of Powers, 4.6 The Rise of Presidentialism in Post-Soviet Central Asia: The Example of Kazakhstan

What is it about?

This chapter aims to examine the major milestones of the constitutional development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In doing so, it deals with main provisions of the first Constitution of Kazakhstan of January 28, 1993 and explains the reasons of its failure. Subsequently, the chapter expounds the origins of the current Constitution of Kazakhstan adopted on August 30, 1995 and undertakes a comprehensive survey of the legal rules related to the principles of the state organization, the relationship between the state and individuals, the formation and competences of Kazakhstan’s main authorities. Particular attention is paid to the Kazakh model of strong presidency and the relationship between the President and the Parliament. In conclusion, the chapter argues that the excessive concentration of political power in the presidency entails the weakness and fragility of the legislature and other political institutions, stalls efforts at political reforms, and jeopardizes civil liberties.

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