What Happens During the Transition Period

From March 16 to June 30, 2026 — the transition period. The current 1995 Constitution remains in force. All state bodies continue to function. Preparations begin for Kurultai elections and the formation of new institutions.

After the Referendum 1 min read 📄
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The Transition Period: What It Means in Practice

After the referendum of March 15, 2026, Kazakhstan entered a transition period — from March 16 to June 30, 2026. This is the time when the new Constitution has been adopted but has not yet taken full effect.

What Continues to Operate

The 1995 Constitution remains in force until July 1, 2026 — the day the new Constitution officially takes effect. This means:

  • All existing laws retain their legal force.
  • All state bodies — the President, Government, Mazhilis, Senate, courts — continue to operate normally.
  • Current officials remain in their posts.
  • Citizens' rights and freedoms are guaranteed in full.

What Must Be Done Before July 1, 2026

During the transition period, the authorities must complete several key tasks:

1. Adopt transitional legislation Parliament (Mazhilis and Senate) must adopt laws necessary for the functioning of new institutions: on the Kurultai, on the Vice President, and an updated law on the Constitutional Court.

2. Prepare for Kurultai elections The Central Election Commission begins preparations for elections to the unicameral Kurultai. A voting date is set, election commissions are formed, and party registration rules are approved.

3. Create the regulatory framework The Government prepares secondary legislation necessary for launching new constitutional provisions — from digital rights to the right of petition.

Key Dates

  • March 15, 2026 — referendum, adoption of the new Constitution.
  • March 16 – June 30, 2026 — transition period.
  • July 1, 2026 — Constitution takes full effect.
  • July – September 2026 (approximate) — Kurultai elections.

Key facts

  • Transition period: March 16 – June 30, 2026
  • The 1995 Constitution remains in force until July 1, 2026
  • All existing state bodies continue without changes
  • Before July 1: adopt transitional legislation and prepare Kurultai elections
  • July 1, 2026 — the new Constitution takes full effect
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.