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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Kazakstan
Index
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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