On March 15, the Republic of Kazakhstan held a significant referendum on a new draft Constitution for the country. Citizens voted on whether to adopt or reject the basic law, which was published on February 12, 2026. According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission, 87.15% of referendum participants voted in favor of adopting the new Constitution, while 898,000 people opposed it. The new edition is set to take effect from July 1, 2026.
Voter turnout exceeded 73%, indicating high activity across the nation. The highest turnout was recorded in the Kyzylorda region, while the lowest figures were observed in major cities such as Almaty and Astana. As reported by the publication Tengrinews.kz, the amendments introduced to the Constitution covered 84% of the text of the basic law, signifying extensive reforms in the country's political system.
Key changes include the introduction of a vice-presidential position, a transition to a unicameral parliament, and the establishment of a new advisory body – the People's Council of Kazakhstan. Additionally, the document reinforces citizens' rights and freedoms, language status, regulation of religion, and provisions defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Extra norms for the protection of personal data and private life were also added.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized after the referendum that the voting process was conducted at the highest level – openly and fairly. He stated, "Kazakhstan's citizens have shown a vivid example of cohesion, unity, patriotism, and shared responsibility for the fate of the Motherland. The majority of our citizens have chosen the bright path of Development, Justice, Law, Order, Nature-Loving, and Purity. This People's Constitution will lead us to new achievements and victories." It was previously reported that Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called Tokayev to congratulate him on the successful conduct of the referendum on the draft constitution in its new edition.
Source: www.gazeta.uz