Republican Referendum on Adoption of Country’s new Constitution to be Held in Kazakhstan on 15 March 2026

The relevant decree was signed by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev.

The referendum will put forward the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan 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 starting point for the Constitutional reform was the head of state’s initiative to establish a unicameral Parliament in Kazakhstan. The President presented this idea on 8 September 2025, during his annual Address to the Nation, aiming to comprehensively reboot the political system and positively influence the further socio‑economic development of Kazakhstan in the era of artificial intelligence.

On 21 January, a Constitutional Commission was established. Its members thoroughly reviewed proposals to the Basic Law submitted by: citizens of the country, political parties, public organizations, prominent lawyers, human rights defenders, civil activists, MPs, political analysts and other experts.

All initiatives were analyzed and directly reflected in the final text of the Basic Law.

The preamble of the published document states that unity, solidarity, and interethnic harmony are enshrined as the foundation of statehood. The basic unchanging values include the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Kazakhstan.

At the constitutional level, the idea of a just Kazakhstan, the principle of law and order, the need of caring for nature are enshrined, as well as the provision that the people of Kazakhstan are the sole source of power and bearer of sovereignty under the new Constitution.

For the first time, the draft includes a norm on protecting citizens’ rights in the digital environment.

A special article is introduced on the legal profession and advocacy.

Particular attention is given to developing human capital, education, science, culture, and innovation. A clear separation between religion and the state is established. The secular nature of the education and upbringing system is affirmed.

A provision is introduced stating that marriage is a voluntary and equal union between a man and a woman.

At the constitutional level, support for national culture and preservation of historical and cultural heritage is established as a fundamental principle.

Among the key innovations of the constitutional draft is the establishment of a new unicameral Parliament, the Kurultai, comprising 145 members and endowed with new, expanded powers. A proportional electoral system will be used in its formation, and the term of office for members of the Kurultai will be 5 years.

One of the innovations in the draft is the establishment of the institution of the Vice-President and of a new platform for nationwide dialogue – Қазақстан Халық Кеңесі (the People’s Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan).

If the new Constitution is approved in the republican referendum, it will enter into force on July 1, 2026. From that day, the current Parliament will cease its powers. Elections to the Kurultai must be announced by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan within one month and held within two months from the date the Constitution enters into force.