Members of the Nationwide Coalition, deputies of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, representatives of major retail chains, and employees of the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a meeting to discuss key changes in the draft of the new Constitution.
The event was attended by Nationwide Coalition member Maria Utebayeva, Mazhilis deputy, Doctor of Juridical Sciences Marat Bashimov, and Professor Venera Zheksenbekova.
The meeting was opened by Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev. He thanked the coalition members for their willingness to discuss this important document for the country with representatives of the trade industry in an open format.
«An open and mature society has formed in our country. The draft of the new Constitution has been discussed in society for a long time. Today, on the eve of the referendum, we are discussing this document openly and constructively. This coming Sunday, it is important for each of us to demonstrate civic responsibility and express our position. The new Constitution is the legal code of our people», noted the Minister.
In his speech, Mazhilis deputy Marat Bashimov focused on the provision in the draft Constitution stipulating the election of the President for a single seven-year term. According to him, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also paid special attention to this issue at the recent Forum of Deputies.
«In the era of rapid development of social networks, it has become quite easy to tarnish a person's reputation. The draft of the new Constitution pays special attention to protecting the honor and dignity of every citizen», emphasized the deputy.
Professor Venera Zheksenbekova noted the importance of public discussion of the document.
«We are discussing not a simple document. Representatives of the people, the authorities, and society are considering the draft of the most important political act for the country. Very little time remains before the decision is made. March 15 will become an important and historic date for every Kazakhstani», she said.
During the meeting, representatives of the trade industry and ministry employees asked the coalition members questions of interest. Participants discussed potential changes in the sphere of protecting citizens' rights and freedoms, expected socio-economic effects of the constitutional reform, international experience used in preparing the draft, as well as potential transformations in the civil service system. The event was held in an open dialogue format.
