Referendum

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; it enters into force on 1 July 2026, and Kurultai elections are expected in August 2026.

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 prepares the launch of the new institutions before July 1
Entry into force 1 July 2026 The new Constitution starts operating
Kurultai elections August 2026 (expected) First elections to the 145-seat unicameral Kurultai after a presidential decree
Next institutional stage September 2026 (expected) Public launch of the Kazakhstan People's Council

What has already happened

What still depends on the next act

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