The constitutional reform of 2026 in Kazakhstan represents one of the most significant stages of the country’s political modernization since gaining independence. The reform is framed by the official authorities as the logical culmination of the transition from a super-presidential model of governance to a more balanced system referred to as a “Just Kazakhstan.” It aims to improve mechanisms of public administration, strengthen state institutions, and enhance their interaction with society in the context of contemporary global challenges.
The new Constitution, adopted through a national referendum on March 15, 2026, affects approximately 84% of the text of the previous 1995 Constitution (as amended in 2022). The document is set to enter into force on July 1, 2026.
According to the official results published by the Central Referendum Commission, the draft was supported by 7,954,667 voters (87.15%). Voter turnout reached 73.12% of registered voters. These figures rank among the highest in national voting processes in the history of independent Kazakhstan.
Procedure of Preparation, Adoption, and Key Institutional Changes
The preparation of the reform began in autumn 2025 at the initiative of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. In his Address to the Nation, the head of state explicitly emphasized the need to develop a “new Fundamental Law that corresponds to the realities of the 21st century.”
On January 21, 2026, by Presidential Decree No. 1157, a Constitutional Commission of approximately 30 members was established, including representatives of the Presidential Administration, members of Parliament, qualified legal experts, and scholars. The Commission was tasked with preparing the draft within a highly compressed timeframe.
Already on February 11, 2026, the President signed a decree calling for a national referendum, and on February 12, the full draft text was officially published on the state portals “gov.kz” and “election.gov.kz” Thus, only 22 days elapsed between the creation of the Commission and the publication of the draft.
Public discussion lasted approximately one month and took place primarily through online platforms, as well as regional meetings organized by local executive bodies. The then-existing bicameral Parliament did not introduce amendments to the draft; instead, the document was submitted to a nationwide vote in its entirety.
The scale of the transformation is unprecedented for the post-Soviet period. The previous Constitution consisted of 9 chapters and 98 articles, whereas the new one includes 11 chapters and 96 articles. Approximately 84% of the text has been fully revised or replaced. The key institutional changes can be grouped as follows:
First, the reform fundamentally restructures the legislative branch. Instead of a bicameral Parliament (Mazhilis and Senate), a unicameral body – the Kurultai has been established, consisting of 145 deputies elected exclusively through a proportional party-list system. The abolition of the Senate and the concentration of legislative functions within a single body are intended to increase the efficiency of decision-making and eliminate potential delays in the legislative process.
Second, the powers of the President in forming key state institutions have been expanded. Under the revised Articles 40–42, the President is granted the authority to appoint the Prosecutor General, the Chairs of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the Governor of the National Bank, and the Head of the National Security Committee. The Kurultai is informed of these appointments ex post facto.
Third, the position of Vice President, absent in previous constitutional versions, has been reinstated. The Vice President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai by a simple majority vote and performs duties assigned by the head of state.
Fourth, a new body – the Halyk Kenesi (People’s Council) has been established as a consultative-legislative organ under the President. A portion of its members is directly appointed by the President. This institution is intended to provide an additional channel for continuous dialogue between the state and society.
Fifth, new provisions have been introduced in Chapter 2 on the rights and freedoms of citizens. Article 29 enshrines digital rights (including the protection of personal data in the digital environment), environmental guarantees have been strengthened, and Article 27 clarifies the definition of marriage as a voluntary union between a man and a woman. Additionally, a provision has been introduced prohibiting foreign funding of political parties and non-governmental organizations engaged in political activities (Article 23).
Declared Objectives of the Reform and Assessments by International Experts
The official position of the Kazakh authorities presents the new Constitution as a document of a “mature state.” The key declared objectives of the reform include the redistribution of powers among branches of government according to the formula “a strong President – an influential Parliament – an accountable Government,” strengthening the system of checks and balances, promoting a human-centered approach, protecting traditional values, as well as ensuring digital and environmental rights.
However, international experts offer a more cautious and неоднозначную assessment. Amnesty International characterizes the draft as a “concerning rollback in human rights and the rule of law,” pointing to the concentration of power in the presidency and restrictions on freedom of expression, assembly, and association due to the ban on foreign funding. Human Rights Watchemphasizes the weakening of checks and balances, the rushed preparation process, and the risks of using the reform to suppress dissent.
According to a number of regional experts, these assessments are to a significant extent general in nature and do not fully take into account the specific political and social context of Kazakhstan as a Central Asian state.
Citizens of Kazakhstan expressed broad support for the reform, indicating a high level of public approval. More than 10,000 proposals from citizens were submitted through the platform “referendum2026.kz” highlighting the popularity of the document.
Conclusion
The constitutional reform in Kazakhstan represents a significant stage in political modernization and has contributed to the creation of a more compact and efficient system of public administration. The declared objectives of strengthening institutions, promoting a human-centered approach, and building a “Just Kazakhstan” received broad public support during the referendum.
This experience may serve as a practical example of balancing the efficiency of state institutions with maintaining control over political continuity. Certain mechanisms introduced by the reform – such as the institution of the Vice President, the unicameral legislature, and restrictions on foreign funding – may be adaptable to other governance models, potentially contributing to long-term political stability.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
