How to Read the Constitution

It's better to read the Constitution in blocks rather than sequentially: first rights and freedoms, then the power structure and amendment procedure.

Current as of June 10, 2026. This page is updated as new official acts, decrees, and clarifications are published.
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It's easier to approach the Constitution not as a "novel from first to last page" but as a set of interconnected blocks.

A practical reading order might be:

  1. The section on human rights and freedoms – to understand what exactly is protected.
  2. The section on the structure of power – who is responsible for what.
  3. The section on local self-government and citizen participation.
  4. The section on the procedure for amending the Constitution.

Tips for First-Time Readers

  • Don't be intimidated by official terminology – most terms are straightforward: "legislative = law-making," "executive = implementing."
  • Read with highlights – mark articles that matter to you.
  • Compare – the "before/after" table shows what's changing.

Where to Read

  • referendum2026.kz – full text + comparison table
  • constitution.my – Constitution text and 1995 Constitution
  • election.gov.kz – Central Election Commission website
  • "Egemen Qazaqstan" newspaper – published text

Key facts

  • Read in blocks – not everything at once
  • Comparison table – the best tool to see changes
  • Official sources – referendum2026.kz, election.gov.kz
Related questions

What Is the Constitution

The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state that defines the structure of power, citizens' rights, and the basic rules of society. It is not a political program or ideological manifesto but the legal foundation upon which all other laws are built. The Constitution establishes the "rules of the game" for everyone – from the president to ordinary citizens.

Why We Are Updating the Constitution

The 1995 Constitution laid the foundations of an independent state. But over 30 years, the economy, technology, public expectations, and governance institutions have changed. Updating the Constitution is not abandoning previous values but aligning the legal system with the reality of 2026.

How the New Constitution Was Developed

The new Constitution was created openly, with the participation of experts, citizens, and representatives of all regions. The process took six months – from September 2025 to February 2026 – and included collecting proposals, expert review, public discussions, and coordination.

Key Changes in the New Constitution

The new Constitution preserves the foundations of statehood but changes the architecture of power and strengthens citizens' rights. Key changes: transition to a unicameral parliament, introduction of the Vice President, expansion of digital rights, and strengthened mechanisms of popular oversight.