Unofficial translation
This Constitutional Law in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall define the legal status, powers, formation procedure, composition and organization of activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Chapter 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1. Legal status and basis of activity
1. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi (Kazakhstan People's Council) is the highest constitutional advisory body, representing the interests of the people of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. The legal basis for Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi activities shall be the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, this Constitutional Law, the Rules of Procedure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, other regulatory legal acts and international treaties of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
3. Issues, related to the organization and operation of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, not regulated by this Constitutional Law, shall be governed by the Rules of Procedure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Article 2. Purpose and objectives
1. The purpose of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be to ensure representation of the interests of the people of Kazakhstan in public administration through consultative participation in the formation and implementation of state policy.
2. The Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall pursue the following objectives:
1) organizing a national dialogue on the main home policy areas;
2) strengthening of public harmony, national unity and solidarity;
3) promoting the fundamental principles of the Republic of Kazakhstan and national values.
Article 3. Operating policies
Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall base its operating policies on the fundamental principles of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also the following principles:
1) independence;
2) legality and law and order;
3) dialogue and openness;
4) consensus and collegiality;
5) inclusivity and non-discrimination.
Article 4. Powers of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall:
1) develop proposals and recommendations on the main directions of the state’s internal policy;
2) submit draft laws to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
3) put forward an initiative to call a national referendum;
4) interact with state bodies, organizations, civil society institutions and international organizations on the implementation of the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
5) organize public platforms, consultations and hearings, seminars, conferences, as well as other events to ensure national dialogue between state bodies, organizations and civil society institutions;
6) ensure the organization and holding of the Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, also on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan other humanitarian forums of national importance;
7) participate in conducting awareness-raising work on the state’s internal policy issues, strengthening public harmony, national unity and solidarity, promoting the fundamental principles of the activities of the Republic of Kazakhstan and national values;
8) exercise public control in the forms that do not contradict the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan on issues, related to the purpose and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
9) exercise other powers to implement the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Chapter 2. STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT OF KAZAKHSTAN KHALYK KENESI
Article 5. Powers of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan with respect to Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall:
1) approve the composition of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
2) form the Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and appoint its chairman;
3) have the right to participate in sessions of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and submit proposals and initiatives on matters, related to the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, as well as other issues of the internal and foreign policy;
4) exercise other powers in accordance with the Constitution and laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Article 6. Structure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. The Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesiin Toralkasy (Presidium) constitute the structure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
2. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall have the right to create permanent and temporary committees, industry commissions and task groups, as well as other consultative and advisory bodies in the areas of achieving their goals and objectives. The procedure for their formation and activities shall be determined by the Regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Article 7. Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. The session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi –a meeting of members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi (hereinafter referred to as the Session) – is the highest governing body of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
2. The first Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be convened by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
3. The regular Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be convened by the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi as necessary, but at least once a year. A decision to convene a Session, specifying the date, venue and agenda shall be adopted no later than thirty days prior to its commencement and is announced in the media.
4. The Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall exercise the powers of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi to:
1) adopt decisions on the submission of draft laws to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan;
2) put forward an initiative to hold a national referendum;
3) develop conceptual approaches, proposals and recommendations on the main areas of the internal state policy, strengthening public harmony, national unity and solidarity, and promoting the fundamental principles of the Republic of Kazakhstan and national values.
5. The Session shall be deemed duly constituted, if at least two-thirds of the total number of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members participates in its work.
6. The decision of the Session shall be considered adopted if more than half of the attending members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi vote in favor of it.
7. The Session's decisions shall be approved by the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi. Recommendations and proposals, addressed to state bodies and officials contained in the Session's decisions, shall be subject to mandatory review.
8. The issues, discussed by the Session and the recommendations and proposals adopted by it shall be communicated to the public.
9. Officials and other persons, who are not members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, as well as representatives of civil society, may be invited to meetings of the Session by decision of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Article 8. Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. The Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be elected at the Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi for a term of four years.
The same person may not be elected Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi more than twice.
2. Candidates for the position of Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be nominated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and (or) on the initiative of at least one third of the total number of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members.
3. The Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be elected by secret ballot by a simple majority of votes from the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members. The meeting of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi on the election of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be deemed duly constituted with the participation of at least three quarters of the total number of its members.
4. The Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall:
1) exercise general management of the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
2) convene the Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
3) approve the governing documents of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, give instructions for their implementation;
4) preside over the Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and meetings of the Presidium of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi (Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesiin Toralkasy);
5) determine the agenda of the Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
6) approve the regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
7) speak on behalf of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi with appeals and statements in the mass media and international organizations;
8) have the right to delegate part of his powers to his deputies.
5. The Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall appoint his deputies from among the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi for a term of two years in accordance with the principle of rotation.
Rotation of deputy chairmen of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure, determined by the Regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi. The same person may not be appointed deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi more than once.
Article 9. Termination of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi Chairman’s powers
1. The powers of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi Chairman shall terminate in the following cases:
1) expiration of the term of office;
2) submission of an application for termination of powers at the Chairman's own request;
3) termination of citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan or receipt of a residence permit or other document, confirming the right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state;
4) entry into force of a court conviction against the Chairman;
5) recognition of the Chairman as incapacitated or limitation of his capacity by an effective court ruling;
6) recognition of the Chairman as missing by an effective court ruling;
7) death of the Chairman or declaration of death by an effective court ruling;
8) adoption of a decision on the initiative of at least one-third of the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
2. The decision to terminate the powers of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be made by a simple majority of votes of the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members.
3. In the event of termination of the powers of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, the deputy Chairman – head of the Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi – shall temporarily perform his duties until a new Chairman is elected.
4. The election of a new Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be held no later than two months from the date of termination of the powers of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
In the event of termination of the powers of the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi on the grounds referred to in subparagraphs 2)–8) of paragraph 1 of this article, the newly elected Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall exercise his powers for the remainder of his term.
Article 10. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesiin Toralqasy
1. Between sessions the leadership of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be exercised by Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesiin Toralqasy (hereinafter referred to as Toralqa- Presidium).
2. The Toralqa is a collegial body formed by the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi from among its members, equally representing ethno-cultural associations, public associations, and other non-profit organizations, maslikhats and public councils of the capital, oblasts and cities of national significance.
3. Meetings of the Toralqa shall be convened by the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi or his deputies in consultation with the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi as necessary, but no less than once every six months.
4. The powers of the Toralqa shall include:
1) making decisions on the development of draft laws;
2) submitting proposals to the Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi on the convening and agenda of the next Session;
3) developing proposals for the work plan of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
4) submitting proposals on the establishment of standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions and task groups in areas of implementing the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, as well as approving regulations thereon.
5) hearing the heads of standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions and task groups of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
6) based on the conclusion of the ethics commission in the event of established facts of breached ethical standards by a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi or improper performance of his duties making a decision to propose the termination of their powers;
7) making other decisions not within the competence of the Session.
5. A meeting of Toralqa shall be deemed duly constituted, if at least two-thirds of its members participate in its work.
6. A decision of Toralqa shall be recorded in minutes and shall be considered adopted if at least two-thirds of the members present at the meeting vote in favor.
Article 11. Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. The Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi is a state body that ensures the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
2. The activities of the Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be regulated by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Regulation on the Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
3. The Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be led by the head of the Secretariat, who is concurrently the deputy Chairman of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and who shall be appointed to the position for a term of four years from among persons, who are not members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Chapter 3. PROCEDURE FOR THE FORMATION OF THE COMPOSITION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE ACTIVITIES OF KAZAKHSTAN KHALYK KENESI
Article 12. Procedure for the formation of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and formation of its composition
1. The Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be composed of citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan, taking into account the recommendations of civil society and local self-government institutions in the following proportions: forty-two from ethnic culture associations, forty-two from public associations and other non-profit organizations, forty-two from maslikhats and public councils of the capital, oblasts and cities of national significance.
2. The term of office of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members shall be four years, unless otherwise provided by this Constitutional Law.
3. Proposals regarding the composition of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be formulated by the Secretariat of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and submitted to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for approval.
Article 13. Requirements for Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members
1. A citizen of the Republic of Kazakhstan, who has reached the age of eighteen may be a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
2. A member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi from ethnic culture associations, public associations and other non-profit organizations must have at least three years of experience in public activities, including at least one year of experience of participating in the activities of the relevant ethnic culture association, public association and other non-profit organization.
3. A person may not be a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi if he:
1) has a criminal record that has not been expunged or removed in accordance with the procedure established by law;
2) has been found guilty by a court of committing a corruption crime and (or) corruption offense in accordance with the procedure, established by law;
3) recognized by the court as incapacitated or of limited capacity.
Article 14. Rights and duties of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members
1. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members shall carry out their activities on a voluntary basis within the powers, defined by this Constitutional Law.
2. Associations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members based on ethnic, religious, party or regional affiliation shall be prohibited.
3. In pursuit of their activities the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall have the right to:
1) submit proposals regarding the work plan of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and the session agenda;
2) participate in the work of standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions, and task groups of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
3) participate in conferences, seminars, round tables and other events of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
4) carry out other activities in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Members of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall not have the right to delegate their powers to other persons.
4. When carrying out their activities the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be obligated to:
1) take part in the work of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, also in the events, organized by Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
2) implement the decisions of the Session and Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesin Toralqasy on the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
3) refrain from actions or statements, aimed at undermining the national security of the state, inciting social, national, tribal and religious discord, hatred and enmity;
4) adhere to the principles of the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, ethical standards of a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, established in Article 21 of this Constitutional Law, and the requirements of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Article 15. Termination of powers of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members
1. The powers of a member of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall terminate in the following cases:
1) expiration of the term of office;
2) submission of an application for termination of powers at the member's own request;
3) termination of citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan or receipt of a residence permit or other document, confirming the right to permanent residence in the territory of a foreign state;
4) entry into force of a court conviction against the member;
5) recognition of the member as incapacitated or limitation of his capacity by a court decision that has taken effect;
6) recognition of the member as missing by a court decision that has taken effect;
7) death of the member or declaration of death by a court decision that has taken effect;
8) improper performance by a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi of his duties, established by this Constitutional Law, subject to a corresponding decision by Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasy;
9) committing an offense that violates the ethical standards of a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, established in Article 21 of this Constitutional Law, subject to a corresponding decision by Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasy;
10) rotation in the manner, established by the Regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
11) occurrence of other grounds, stipulated by the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. In the event of termination of the powers of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members on the grounds, provided for in subparagraphs 2) - 11) of paragraph 1 of this article, the powers of the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, who joined Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi instead of those who left, shall be exercised for the remaining term of office of the members Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Article 16. Exercise of the right of legislative initiative
1. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall exercise the right of legislative initiative, established by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan to achieve its goals and objectives in the manner, prescribed by this Constitutional Law.
2. Development of draft laws in Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi may be initiated by at least one-third of the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members, also by decision of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasy.
3. Draft laws shall be subject to mandatory preliminary discussion in standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions and task groups of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
4. The decision on introducing draft laws to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan shall be taken at the Session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi by a majority of no less than two-thirds of the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members.
Article 17. Initiating a national referendum
1. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall have the right to initiate a national referendum on issues, falling within the scope of its goals and objectives in accordance with the procedure, established by this Constitutional Law and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. The right to raise the issue of proponing an initiative to hold a nationwide referendum shall rest with at least two-thirds of the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members.
3. The proponing of an initiative to hold a nationwide referendum shall be subject to mandatory preliminary discussion in the standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions and task groups of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi in accordance with the Rules of Procedure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
4. A decision to propone a nationwide referendum shall be adopted at a session of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi by a three-quarters majority of the total number of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi members.
Article 18. Interaction of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi with the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and state bodies
1. Within its jurisdiction Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall interact with the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and state bodies of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ensure representation of public interests in the formation and implementation of the state policy.
2. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall interact with the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan by submitting draft laws, participating in hearings, meetings of committees and task groups on issues within its authority, submitting conclusions and recommendations, prepared on the basis of public discussions to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
3. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall interact with central and local government bodies through the participation of their representatives in the work of standing and interim committees, sectoral commissions and task groups, making motions, requesting and providing information and analytical materials to Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, and also sending conclusions and recommendations to Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
4. Within their jurisdiction the state bodies shall ensure interaction with Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and facilitate the implementation of its goals and objectives in accordance with this Constitutional Law.
Article 19. Interaction with public associations, other non-commercial organizations and citizens
1. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall interact with public associations, other non-commercial organizations and citizens of the Republic of Kazakhstan to ensure representation of the interests of the people of Kazakhstan and promote public dialogue.
2. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall have the right to involve public associations, other non-commercial organizations, expert and scientific communities, trade unions and individual citizens in the discussion of socially significant issues, conducting public examinations, preparing analytical and advisory materials, proposals and recommendations.
3. Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall ensure that public associations, other non-commercial organizations and citizens can submit proposals, initiatives and applications regarding matters, falling within its purview in the manner, prescribed by the Regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
4. Interaction with public associations, other non-profit organizations and citizens shall not entail any obligations for Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, state bodies to make decisions and shall not limit independence of the participants in such interaction.
Article 20. Regional mechanisms for implementing the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. At the regional level, the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be carried out through local public councils, formed in accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On Public Councils."
2. Local public councils shall ensure dialogue and interaction between Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and civil society institutions and the population at the level of the relevant administrative-territorial unit.
3. Within their purview public councils shall:
1) participate in the implementation of activities, aimed at achieving the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
2) follow the decisions of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi;
3) make motions to Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi on exercising of the powers of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
4. The procedure for interaction between Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and public councils at the local level shall be determined by the Regulations of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
Article 21. Ethical standards of a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
1. A member of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be guided in his activities by the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, this Constitutional Law, other laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also the principle of serving the interests of the people of Kazakhstan.
2. A member of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be obliged to act in good faith, independently, and impartially, based on the priority of public interests and prevention of abuse of their status for personal, corporate or other private purposes.
3. A member of the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall respect the rights, honor and dignity of individuals and citizens, adhere to the principles of mutual respect, openness and constructive dialogue when considering issues of public importance.
4. A member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall refrain from actions and statements that could damage the authority of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi, undermine public trust or contradict the goals and objectives of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
5. Failure to comply with ethical standards by a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall entail liability in the manner, established by this Constitutional Law and other regulatory legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
6. To ensure that members of the Kazakhstan People’s Council adhere to ethical standards and properly fulfill their duties, an ethics commission shall be formed from among the members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi and, if necessary, other representatives of civil society, an ethics commission shall be established by a decision of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasi in accordance with the procedure, established by the Rules of Procedure of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi.
7. Upon the review of applications, statements, other materials on possible breaching of ethical standards or improper performance of duties by members of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi the ethics commission shall prepare and submit to Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasi its conclusions and recommendations.
8. In the event that facts are established that a member of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi has breached ethical standards or has improperly performed his duties the Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesinin Toralqasi shall have the right to make a decision on introducing a proposal to terminate his powers.
Article 22. Funding for the activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi
The activities of Kazakhstan Khalyk Kenesi shall be funded from the republican budget.
Article 23. Procedure for enactment of this Constitutional Law
1. This Constitutional Law shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
2. The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan of October 20, 2008 "On the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan" shall be deemed invalid as of the date of this Constitutional Law enactment.
| President | |
| of the Republic of Kazakhstan | K.TOKAYEV |