What the Transition Period Means
After the referendum of March 15, 2026, Kazakhstan entered a transition window running from March 16 to June 30, 2026. During this time the new Constitution has already been adopted, but the country's formal legal framework still operates under the 1995 model.
What Remains in Force Until July 1
- The 1995 Constitution remains in force until July 1, 2026.
- The President, Government, Mazhilis, Senate, courts, and other institutions continue to work without interruption.
- Citizens are not left in a legal vacuum: the older norms continue to apply until replacement.
What Has Already Been Completed During the Transition
- On June 5, 2026, the signed constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were published.
- This means part of the transition work was completed even before the Constitution formally enters into force.
What Still Needs to Be Done Before July 1
- Prepare the organisational launch of the new procedures.
- Finalise the path to a decree calling Kurultai elections after the Constitution enters into force.
- Complete subordinate acts for those rights and institutions that require administrative implementation.
Key Dates
- March 15, 2026 — referendum and adoption of the new Constitution
- June 5, 2026 — key constitutional laws signed
- July 1, 2026 — Constitution enters into force
- August 2026 — expected Kurultai elections
- September 2026 — expected launch of the Kazakhstan People's Council
Why This Stage Matters
The transition period exists so that the state does not switch systems in a single moment. It preserves continuity of power, allows part of the legislative work to be completed in advance, and brings the country to July with a prepared model for launching the new institutions.