Kazakhstan Referendum Approves New Constitution with 87.15% Support

Kazakhstan voters approved a new constitution in a nationwide referendum held on 15/03/2026, with 87.15% voting in favor and turnout reported at 73.12%, according to final results released by the Central Referendum Commission. More than 9.1 million citizens participated in the vote across over 10,000 polling stations, meeting the legal threshold for validity. The referendum asked voters whether to adopt a newly drafted Basic Law intended to replace large portions of the 1995 constitution. Authorities later confirmed that the new constitution is scheduled to enter into force on 01/07/2026. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced that 15 March would be marked annually as Constitution Day following the approval. The new document revises a substantial portion of the previous constitutional text and introduces structural changes to Kazakhstan’s political system. Among the major provisions are the replacement of the bicameral parliament with a unicameral legislature, restoration of the vice presidency abolished in 1996, and confirmation of a single seven year presidential term. The constitution also establishes a new consultative body known as the People’s Council with authority to initiate legislation and referendums, while expanding presidential appointment powers for key officials including the vice president. The referendum followed an accelerated drafting process announced in February 2026, with the proposed document affecting more than 80% of the existing constitutional framework. Analysts cited in reporting noted that the restructuring merges parliamentary chambers into one body and allows the president to appoint senior officials subject to legislative approval. Critics and some observers said the pace of the process limited public debate, while supporters described the reforms as aimed at restructuring governance and clarifying succession mechanisms. Voting took place throughout Kazakhstan and at overseas polling stations, with preliminary turnout surpassing 50% by mid day and final participation exceeding 73%. Senior officials including President Tokayev and former president Nursultan Nazarbayev publicly cast ballots. The referendum marked the fifth nationwide referendum since independence and the third constitutional referendum since 2022.