# What Is a Referendum

> A referendum is a nationwide vote with direct legal force. Every citizen aged 18 and over votes personally and in secret. Three conditions must be met: turnout above 50%, a majority of 'Yes' votes, and 'Yes' in at least 2/3 of regions. The result is binding – it can only be reversed by another referendum.

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

Section: Referendum

## What a referendum is

The most direct form of democracy. Not a deputy deciding on your behalf – you decide yourself.

**How it works:**
- The state puts a question to a vote
- Every citizen aged 18 and over goes to a polling station
- They vote **'Yes'** or **'No'** – in secret, in person
- The result carries **direct legal force**

## Three conditions for recognition

| Condition | Requirement | What happens if not met |
|---|---|---|
| Turnout | More than 50% of voters | The referendum is deemed not to have taken place |
| Majority | More than 50% of those who voted – 'Yes' | The decision is not adopted |
| Regional threshold | 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions, cities of republican significance, and the capital | The decision is not adopted |

All three conditions must be met simultaneously. If even one is not satisfied – the decision **is not adopted**.

## Legal force

- The result is **binding** across the entire territory of Kazakhstan
- It can only be reversed by **another referendum**
- Neither the President, nor parliament, nor a court can review the result

## Kazakhstan's referendums

| Year | Question | 'Yes' | Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Adoption of the Constitution | 89% | 90% |
| 2022 | 56 amendments to the Constitution | 77% | 68% |
| 2026 | New Constitution | 87.15% | 73.12% |

## Key Facts

- A referendum is a nationwide vote with direct legal force
- Three conditions: turnout >50%, majority 'Yes', 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions
- The result is binding; it can only be reversed by another referendum
- Kazakhstan's history: 1995 (89% 'Yes'), 2022 (77% 'Yes', 68% turnout), 2026 – 15 March

## Checked sources

- [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)
- [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-what-is?lang=en
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