Tokayev Sets Date for Constitution Referendum

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has set a nationwide referendum for March 15, 2026, Orda.kz reports.

A draft of the country’s new Constitution will be put to a nationwide vote. Kazakhstanis will be asked to answer only one question.

«Submit to a national referendum the draft new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan with the following wording of the question: ‘Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the mass media on February 12, 2026?’» the presidential decree states

Preparation and conduct of the referendum have been assigned to the Central Election Commission. The CEC will organize the voting and will also act as the central referendum commission. Territorial and precinct election commissions will also be involved in the process. The document also states that the government must take the necessary measures jointly with the CEC and other state bodies.

It was previously reported that the new Constitution consists of a Preamble, 11 sections, and 95 articles. The amendments affected 84% of the text. The Constitutional Court emphasized that the document’s key focus is the individual and their rights and freedoms. The Preamble was completely rewritten: it enshrines values, a connection with history, and an orientation toward the future.

Original author: Saule Abdykamit