# What Is Happening and What Comes Next

> Voting took place on 15 March 2026. 87.15% voted in favour at 73.12% turnout. The Constitution was adopted and entered into force on 1 July 2026. The next practical stage is the Kurultai deputy elections scheduled for August 23, 2026 and the formation of new institutions.

Canonical URL: https://constitution.my/p/referendum-after-vote?lang=en
Language: en
Updated: 2026-07-26

Section: Referendum

## Timeline after the vote

| Stage | Timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Official result | Within 7 days | The CEC publishes the final referendum result |
| Transition period | 16 March – 30 June | Key constitutional laws were signed on June 5, and the state prepared the launch of the new institutions |
| Entry into force | **1 July 2026** | The new Constitution entered into force |
| Kurultai elections | **August 23, 2026** | First elections to the 145-seat unicameral Kurultai |
| Next institutional stage | After the election | First Kurultai session and later appointments required by the Constitution |

## What has already happened

- The referendum was held on **15 March 2026**.
- The Constitution was approved by popular vote.
- On **June 5, 2026**, constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were signed and published.

## What Still Has to Be Specified

- The presidential decree calling the first Kurultai elections was signed on July 1, 2026.
- Nomination of party lists closed on **July 13** with lists submitted by seven parties.
- Registration runs until **18:00 on July 23**; campaigning begins after that deadline.
- Voters can check the electoral register from **August 7**; voting is on **August 23**.

## Why the post-vote stage matters

A referendum is not the last step by itself. Legal approval, entry into force, institutional launch, and election scheduling happen in sequence. That is why the period between March 15 and July 1 matters just as much as the vote day itself.

## Main idea

The key question after a referendum is not only who won, but how the approved decision is translated into the legal system.

## Key Facts

- The official result was 87.15% in favour at 73.12% turnout
- Turnout and support are both assessed
- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026
- The implementation stage after the vote is crucial

## Checked sources

- [Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum](https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110) – Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan](https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000) – Adilet Legal Information System (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026](https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338) – Adilet Legal Information System (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election](https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190) – Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan (checked 2026-07-16)
- [Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates](https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10290) – Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan (checked 2026-07-16)

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Source: https://constitution.my/p/referendum-after-vote?lang=en
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