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.
Current as of June 10, 2026.
This page is updated as new official acts, decrees, and clarifications are published.
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1. SYSTEM OF POWER: From Bicameral Parliament to Kurultai
Before:
- Parliament = Senate (49 deputies) + Mazhilis (98 deputies)
- Coordination between two chambers
Now:
- Kurultai – unicameral supreme representative body
- 145 deputies (instead of 147 in two chambers)
- Proportional system at the national level (party lists)
- Expanded powers: from 13 to 23 constitutionally enshrined functions
Why:
- Optimizing the legislative process (one chamber – one process)
- Personal accountability of every deputy (transparent voting)
- Strengthening parliament's role in checks and balances
2. VICE PRESIDENT: A New Institution of Continuity
What is introduced:
- The position of Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan
How appointed:
- President appoints with the consent of Kurultai (institutional filter)
Functions:
- Coordinating government work on the President's behalf
- Participating in Government and Kurultai sessions
- In case of early termination of the President's powers, temporarily serves as acting President until new elections are held within 60 days
3. CITIZENS' RIGHTS: Digital Rights and Procedural Guarantees
a) Digital rights (new block):
- Right to personal data protection
- Privacy of digital communications (email, messengers)
- Right to be forgotten (deletion of information about oneself)
b) Rights upon detention:
- Detention without court: 72 → 48 hours
- "Miranda Rule" – right to be informed of your rights upon detention
- Mandatory right to a lawyer from the moment of detention
c) Presumption of innocence:
- Enshrined as a general constitutional principle (not just criminal proceedings)
d) Peaceful assemblies:
- Right to peaceful assemblies without weapons is guaranteed
4. POPULAR PARTICIPATION: Institutionalizing Dialogue
Kazakhstan People's Council (Khalyq Keñesi):
- Consultative-advisory body under the President
- Includes representatives of civil society, NGOs, experts, regions
- Discusses draft laws, development strategies, social issues
Strengthened right to petitions:
- Citizens can initiate draft laws (with a specified number of signatures)
- Mandatory consideration of petitions in Kurultai
5. WHAT DOES NOT CHANGE
Preserved:
- President – head of state, 7-year term, single term, party neutrality
- Presidential form of government – President forms the Government
- Unitary state – not a federation
- Popular sovereignty – citizens are the source of power
- Fundamental rights – freedom of speech, assembly, religion, property
"Before and After" Table
| Item | 1995 Constitution | 2026 Constitution |
|---|---|---|
| Parliament | Senate (49) + Mazhilis (98) | Kurultai (145) |
| Parliamentary powers | 13 functions | 23 functions |
| Vice President | No | Yes (with Kurultai consent) |
| Detention period | 72 hours | 48 hours |
| Digital rights | Not regulated | Data protection, communication privacy |
| People's Council | Informal status | Constitutional status |
| President | 7 years, single term | 7 years, single term (unchanged) |
Key facts
- Kurultai replaces Senate and Mazhilis – optimizing legislative process
- Vice President – continuity + institutional oversight
- Digital rights – data and privacy protection
- 48 hours instead of 72 – strengthened procedural guarantees
- People's Council – permanent dialogue institution