CITIZENS AS SUBJECTS OF THE RIGHT TO APPEAL TO CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROL BODIES: THE EXPERIENCE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN COUNTRIES

Abstract

The article examines the legal status of citizens as subjects of the right to submit individual constitutional complaints in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Central Asian countries. The study aims to identify existing models of individual constitutional complaints, analyze similarities and differences in the national legal systems of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, and assess practical challenges in implementing this right. The scientific and practical significance lies in systematizing the mechanism for protecting citizens’ constitutional rights and developing recommendations for its improvement. The methodology is based on comparative legal analysis and international experience, including recommendations of the Venice Commission. Findings indicate that limited access to submission, complex procedures, low legal literacy, high rates of returned complaints, and lengthy consideration impede effective implementation. The conclusions emphasize the need for digitalization of procedures, establishment of consultation centers, methodological guidelines for citizens, and active civic engagement to strengthen constitutional legality and foster legal culture. The practical value of the study is in proposing measures to enhance the effectiveness of the individual constitutional complaint mechanism.

Keywords: constitutional control, citizens, individual constitutional complaint, rights and freedoms, Kazakhstan, Central Asia.