# 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.

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

Section: Referendum

## Campaigning period

| Period | What is allowed |
|---|---|
| **12 February – 13 March** | Campaigning permitted: 'For', 'Against', calls to vote |
| **14 March (day of silence)** | Campaigning **prohibited** – a day for quiet reflection |
| **15 March (polling day)** | Campaigning **prohibited** |

## Who may campaign

- Citizens – personally and through the media
- Political parties
- Public organisations
- Initiative groups

**Who may not:** foreign nationals, members of electoral commissions, civil servants in the performance of their duties, military personnel, religious organisations.

## What is permitted

- Public events, rallies, debates
- Printed materials – leaflets, posters
- Campaigning in the media and online
- Positions 'For' and 'Against' are on **completely equal terms**

## What is prohibited

- Vote-buying
- Threats and coercion
- Abuse of official position
- Distribution of knowingly false information
- Campaigning on the day of silence and on polling day

A violation is an administrative offence carrying specific penalties.

## The day of silence – why it exists

14 March is the day when you make your decision without pressure. No campaigning: not in the media, not on social networks, not on the street. This is standard international practice.

## Key Facts

- Campaigning: 12 February – 13 March; 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms
- Day of silence: 14 March – campaigning prohibited
- Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position
- The rules apply online – violations are punishable

## 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)

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Source: https://constitution.my/p/referendum-campaigning-rules?lang=en
© 2026 Constitution.my – informational resource, not an official legal source