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.

Current as of June 10, 2026. This page is updated as new official acts, decrees, and clarifications are published.
Referendum
1 min read 📄
0:00

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

  • 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 depends on the next act

  • A presidential decree calling the first Kurultai elections.
  • The CEC calendar and the practical election timetable.
  • Registration and campaign procedures under the new parliamentary model.

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

  • After voting, ballots are counted and official results are announced
  • Turnout and support are both assessed
  • If approved, the legal system must be aligned with the new constitutional text
  • The implementation stage after the vote is crucial
Related questions

What Questions Can Be Put to a Referendum

A referendum is intended for issues of fundamental public and constitutional importance, not for routine administrative decisions. It is the mechanism by which citizens directly decide questions affecting the foundations of the state, the constitutional order, or other matters of nationwide significance.

Minimum Turnout Requirement and Current Figures

Yes, a referendum requires participation above 50% to have full legal force. Additionally, 'Yes' must prevail in at least 2/3 of regions. According to the CEC, as of 18:00, turnout has reached 70.98% (8,845,280 citizens received ballots) – the 50% threshold has been exceeded. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year.

What Campaigning Rules Apply Before the Referendum

Campaigning is permitted from 12 February to 13 March – both 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms. 14 March is a day of silence: no campaigning. 15 March is polling day. Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position. These rules apply online as well.

Who Monitors the Integrity of the Vote

At every polling station – observers from parties, NGOs, media, and international missions (OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS). Observers from more than 30 countries have been invited. Each observer receives a copy of the count protocol. Discrepancies are grounds for verification and a court challenge.