Myth: 'A Referendum Is Always Better Than Parliament Because the People Decide'
A referendum does not replace parliament – it complements it for fundamental questions. Voting on a budget or a tax code with a simple Yes/No is not feasible. The 2026 referendum is the appropriate case: 84% of the text is new, and the structure of power is fundamentally different.
The myth
"Let the people decide everything through referendums – what do we need parliament for?"
The facts
A referendum and a parliament solve different problems.
When a referendum is needed:
- A new constitution – the foundation of the state, requiring the highest legitimacy
- Questions of sovereignty and territory
- Fundamental values on which society must speak directly
When parliament is more effective:
- Budget – thousands of line items, compromises between sectors and regions
- Tax code – hundreds of pages of technical provisions
- International treaties – negotiations and legal expertise
- Current legislation – hundreds of acts per year; a referendum on each is impossible
Risks of "referendum on everything":
- Voter fatigue – in Switzerland, referendum turnout is often below 40%
- Populism – a complex question is reduced to Yes/No
- Manipulation of the wording – a question can be phrased to steer the answer
The 2026 Constitution – exactly the right case
A new constitution is a fundamental choice. 84% of the text is new. A unicameral Kurultai replaces a bicameral parliament; parliamentary functions expand from 13 to 23; the Khalyk Kenesi, the Vice President, and new rights are introduced. This is not a technical amendment – it is a choice of direction for the country. Such a decision belongs to the people.
Why this myth exists
Disillusionment with parliament: "deputies do not represent our interests." But the solution is not to abolish parliament – it is to make it more effective. The new Constitution does exactly that: all 145 Kurultai deputies are directly elected, with quotas for women, young people, and people with disabilities.
Key facts
- A referendum is for fundamental questions (constitution, sovereignty)
- Parliament is more effective for current legislation (budget, taxes, treaties)
- 2026 Constitution: 84% of text is new, parliamentary functions expand from 13 to 23 – the right case for a referendum
- After adoption, current laws are passed by the Kurultai (145 deputies), not by referendum
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.