What Happens During the Transition Period

From March 16 to June 30, 2026, Kazakhstan is in a transition period. The 1995 Constitution still applies, but key laws were already signed on June 5 and the state is preparing the launch of the new institutional model before July 1.

Current as of June 10, 2026. This page is updated as new official acts, decrees, and clarifications are published.
After the Referendum
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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.

Key facts

  • Transition period: March 16 to June 30, 2026
  • The 1995 Constitution remains in force until July 1, 2026
  • Key constitutional laws were already signed on June 5, 2026
  • After July 1, a decree on Kurultai elections is expected
  • August 2026 means expected elections; September 2026 means the expected launch of the Kazakhstan People's Council
Related questions

When do the new constitutional laws take effect?

Some of the key laws were already signed on June 5, 2026. The Constitution itself takes effect on July 1, and after that a decree on Kurultai elections and the launch of institutions that depend on the new parliament are expected.

How will the Kurultai be formed?

The Kurultai is a unicameral supreme representative body of 145 deputies. The constitutional law on the Kurultai was signed on June 5, 2026, and the first elections are expected in August after the Constitution enters into force and a presidential decree is issued.

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

The office of Vice President is established by the new Constitution and by the law on the President signed on June 5, 2026. The Vice President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, so the full launch of the office depends on the formation of the new parliament.

What changed after the new Constitution was adopted?

On 15 March 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan approved the new Constitution in a referendum. Key constitutional laws were signed on June 5, the Constitution takes effect on July 1, Kurultai elections are expected in August 2026, and the Kazakhstan People's Council is expected to launch in September.