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.

Referendum
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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
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Primary sources

Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 18 August 2026.

Related articles

Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.

Article 4Nationwide Referendum Article 35Right to Participate in Referendum Article 92Referendum Validity Conditions
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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 and entered into force on 1 July 2026. The CEC published the Kurultai election results on 25 August 2026. The first session of the first Kurultai opened on 28 August 2026.

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.

Why It Matters to Adopt the Constitution by Referendum

Adopting the Constitution by referendum gives it especially strong political and public legitimacy. On March 15, 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan approved the updated basic law directly, rather than leaving the decision only to state institutions.

What Question Is on the Ballot

The ballot contains one question: 'Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the 2026 Constitution of which was published in the mass media on 12 February 2026?' The answer is 'Yes' or 'No.' Voting is secret.
About this page

Updated: 16 June 2026. This page was prepared by the constitution.my editorial team using official publications and open legal sources. Core sources: the Adilet legal system, Akorda, the CEC, Gov.kz, and materials of the Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan.

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