Kazakhstan has joined international discussions on judicial reform. Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan, represented the country at a Venice Commission session focused on judicial independence, constitutional changes and electoral rights, DKNews.kz reports.
According to the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan, the 148th plenary session of the European Commission for Democracy through Law, better known as the Venice Commission, took place in Venice, Italy, on October 9–10, 2026.
The meeting brought together representatives of 47 member states, along with officials from the Council of Europe and European Union institutions.
Eight countries face scrutiny over judicial and institutional reforms
The session examined legislative and institutional developments in eight countries: Georgia, Greece, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia and Ukraine.
Discussions focused on the structure and functioning of state institutions, judicial independence, parliamentary ethics, constitutional amendments and electoral rights.
According to the Venice Commission's official website, the organization provides legal opinions on constitutional and legislative reforms, helping countries assess their compatibility with democratic principles and the rule of law.
Judicial independence was among the central issues addressed during the session, alongside the institutional safeguards needed to ensure effective democratic governance.
Participants also reviewed two comparative legal reports.
The first examined voting rights for citizens living abroad, while the second addressed the criminal liability of government ministers.
Both issues raise broader questions about government accountability and the protection of political rights, including how citizens can exercise their electoral rights while residing outside their home countries.
Elvira Azimova represents Kazakhstan in Venice
Elvira Azimova, Chairperson of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan, attended the session on behalf of the country.
Kazakhstan's participation in the Venice Commission provides an opportunity to study international approaches to constitutional law, judicial reform and the protection of fundamental rights.
The discussions also offer a platform for exchanging experience on judicial independence, the rule of law and the functioning of democratic institutions.
However, participation in international legal discussions does not automatically lead to legislative changes in Kazakhstan.
The Constitutional Court's announcement did not indicate that Kazakhstan had undertaken new commitments or announced plans to amend domestic legislation following the session.
Kazakhstan has been a Venice Commission member since 2012
Kazakhstan's cooperation with the Venice Commission dates back nearly three decades.
The country obtained observer status in 1998 and became a full member in 2012.
In March 2024, Elvira Azimova was appointed Kazakhstan's member of the Venice Commission by presidential decree.
The Venice Commission serves as the Council of Europe's advisory body on constitutional matters.
It reviews national legislation and provides legal opinions on constitutional reforms, democratic institutions and fundamental rights. Its recommendations can inform legislative development, although they are not automatically binding on member states.
For Kazakhstan, cooperation with the Commission is particularly relevant to the development of constitutional review and judicial safeguards.
Access to comparative legal expertise allows the country to examine how different jurisdictions approach judicial independence, citizens' rights and the accountability of public institutions.
The latest session continues Kazakhstan's engagement with international constitutional law experts as the country exchanges experience on the protection of rights and the functioning of its judicial institutions.
We have also previously covered Kazakhstan's constitutional developments and international legal cooperation, including discussions involving foreign legal experts and representatives of the Venice Commission.
