Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has signed a decree scheduling a referendum on the country’s new constitution for 15 March 2026.
The official publication of the draft Constitution is scheduled for 12 February 2026.
The draft new Constitution will be put to a referendum with the following question: ‘Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the media on 12 February 2026?’
The Central Election Commission and territorial commissions are responsible for preparing and organising the referendum, while the Government of Kazakhstan, together with other bodies, will ensure that the vote is conducted.
It should be noted that the new draft Constitution reduces the number of articles from 98 to 95, creates a unicameral Kurultai with 145 deputies, a new advisory body, the Khalyk Kenes, and restores the post of vice-president. The procedures for appointing judges and heads of government bodies are also changing, restrictions on protests are being introduced, the supremacy of the Constitution is being enshrined, and the ombudsman and the bar are being given constitutional status.
The updated Basic Law aims to distribute powers more evenly among the branches of government, strengthen checks and balances, and increase the stability of political institutions.
