Kazakhstan introduces the post of vice-president under the new Constitution. According to the Basic Law, the head of state is obliged to propose a candidate for vice-president within two months after the start of the Kurultai session. However, Tokayev said he would announce it soon. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Experts interviewed by Sputnik Kazakhstan named worthy candidates for the post of vice-president. One of the former speakers did not enter any party list in the Kurultai elections.
Experts' opinions
According to Andrei Chebotarev, director of the Alternative Center for Current Research, both Koshanov and Ashimbayev are in the Akorda personnel reserve. "In the near future, the government will be formed, a body such as the People's Council will be created, and a vice-president will be appointed. Then, perhaps, both will be given an opportunity. For example, former Majilis speaker Yerlan Koshanov may head the People's Council. But it is difficult to say where Maulen Ashimbayev will go. Because he is considered one of the candidates for the post of vice-president. The ex-Speaker of the Senate may also join the government," said Chebotarev.
According to the expert, if Ashimbayev joins the government, he will be appointed vice-premier.
Tokayev's promise
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, while voting in the Kurultai elections, said he would announce the vice-presidential candidate within 7-10 days. Political scientist Eduard Poletaev believes that the head of state will name the candidate for the post of vice-president next week.
"Then on September 1 or 2 there will be the president's address. It is necessary to appoint members of the People's Council. I think it will include former deputies or people who did not pass to the Kurultai on party lists. Because the People's Council takes over some functions of the Kurultai. Given the very name 'People's Council', there will probably be more people known among the people than in the Kurultai," said Poletaev.
According to him, there is currently an intrigue around the People's Council and the vice-president. "Among the candidates for the post of vice-president are Yerlan Koshanov, Maulen Ashimbayev, Yerlan Karin, Kanat Bozumbayev. Therefore, the intrigue remains," said Poletaev.
"It will be a person you know well"
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev commented on the post of vice-president during the Kurultai elections. According to him, everyone is asking about the post of vice-president. "Indeed, this is a significant change. We deliberately introduced a new position into our Constitution. We will not be mistaken if we say that this position is extremely necessary. Because in today's turbulent times, such a position is very necessary for our country. Next week or within ten days, it will become known who will become vice-president. I think it will be a well-known person you know well," said Tokayev.
What the vice-president will do
Previously, if the president could not fulfill his duties, his functions were transferred to the Chairman of the Senate. Under the new Constitution, the Senate and Majilis were dissolved. And the vice-president automatically becomes the acting head of state.
The vice-president is appointed by the president with the consent of the Kurultai. He is prohibited from being a member of a party or holding other positions. The Vice-President of Kazakhstan, on behalf of the head of state, represents the president in interaction with the Kurultai, the Government and other state bodies, and also exercises other powers determined by the president.