What Happens During the Transition Period

What the Transition Period Means

After the referendum of March 15, 2026, Kazakhstan went through a transition window from March 16 to June 30, 2026. During this time the new Constitution had already been adopted, but the country's formal legal framework still operated under the 1995 model.

What Remained in Force Until July 1

• The 1995 Constitution remained in force until July 1, 2026.
• The President, Government, Mazhilis, Senate, courts, and other institutions continued to work without interruption until the new Constitution entered into force; the former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1.
• Citizens were not left in a legal vacuum: the older norms continued 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.
• Part of the transition work was completed even before the Constitution formally entered into force.

What Was Completed by July 1

• The launch of new procedures was prepared organisationally.
• On July 1, 2026, the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed.
• Subordinate acts for rights and institutions requiring administrative implementation continue to be updated.

Key Dates

• March 15, 2026 – referendum and adoption of the new Constitution
• June 5, 2026 – key constitutional laws signed
• July 1, 2026 – Constitution entered into force
• August 23, 2026 – Kurultai deputy elections
• July 2, 2026 – Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council created; no first-session date has yet been published

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.