What New Institutions Will Be Created

The 2026 Constitution creates three new institutions — the Vice President, the Kazakhstan People's Council (Halyk Kenesi), and an expanded Constitutional Court with the right of citizen petition. All will begin operating after the Kurultai is formed.

After the Referendum 1 min read 📄
0:00

Three New Institutions of the 2026 Constitution

1. Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan

What it is: A new executive office ensuring coordination of the Government and continuity of governance.

How it is formed: The President appoints the Vice President with the consent of the Kurultai.

Powers:

  • Coordinates the work of the Government at the President's direction.
  • Participates in meetings of the Government and the Kurultai.
  • If the President's term ends early, temporarily acts as President until new elections (maximum 60 days).

Important: The Vice President has no independent political authority. This is not a "second president" but a constitutional mechanism for continuity and coordination.

When it will start working: After the Kurultai is formed — autumn 2026.

2. Kazakhstan People's Council (Қазақстан Халық Кеңесі)

What it is: A constitutional consultative-advisory body under the President — a platform for dialogue between the authorities and society.

Composition: Representatives of civil society, NGOs, experts, regional representatives, and business community.

Functions:

  • Discussion of draft laws and development strategies.
  • Development of recommendations on socio-economic issues.
  • Continuous monitoring of reform implementation.
  • Review of citizen petitions submitted to the Kurultai.

Difference from previous advisory bodies: The People's Council receives constitutional status — its existence and core functions are enshrined in the Constitution, not in a secondary regulation.

3. Expanded Constitutional Court

What changes:

  • Citizens' right of petition. Any citizen who believes that their constitutional rights have been violated by a legal provision may directly apply to the Constitutional Court.
  • Expanded composition. The number of Constitutional Court judges increases to handle the caseload of citizen applications.

When it will start operating: The new citizen petition procedure takes effect on July 1, 2026 — when the Constitution comes into force.

Key facts

  • Vice President: appointed by the President with Kurultai consent, no independent powers
  • People's Council: constitutional status, dialogue between society and the state
  • Constitutional Court: every citizen may file a complaint directly from July 1, 2026
  • All three institutions will begin work after the Kurultai is formed
  • Vice President may temporarily exercise the duties of Head of State (up to 60 days)
Related questions

What changed after the new Constitution was adopted?

On 15 March 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan approved the new Constitution in a referendum. The document takes effect upon official publication of results. A transition period begins – adapting laws and launching new institutions.

When do the new constitutional laws take effect?

The Constitution itself takes effect immediately after results are published. But launching the Kurultai, the Vice President's office, and other innovations requires constitutional laws – their adoption is scheduled for 2026–2027.

How will the Kurultai be formed?

The Kurultai is a unicameral parliament of 145 deputies in a new format. It replaces the bicameral system (Mazhilis + Senate). The formation procedure will be defined by a separate constitutional law.

When will the Vice President appear and what is the role?

The Vice President's office is established by the new Constitution. Appointed by the President, with a minimum age of 60. The main role is to ensure continuity of power if the President's term ends.