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.
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
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
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Primary-source mode
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