What Changes on July 1, 2026

On July 1, 2026, the Constitution takes effect. New rights begin to apply — digital rights, enhanced protection upon detention (48 hours instead of 72), the right to petition. The Constitutional Court starts accepting citizens' applications.

After the Referendum 1 min read 📄
0:00

July 1, 2026: Concrete Changes

From July 1, 2026, Kazakhstan's new Constitution takes full effect. Here is what changes for every citizen.

New Citizens' Rights

Digital rights (for the first time at the constitutional level):

  • Right to protection of personal data. Collection, storage, and transfer of data without your consent now violates the Constitution.
  • Confidentiality of digital communications — messenger correspondence and email are protected on a par with telephone conversations.
  • Right to be forgotten — you may demand removal of information about yourself from public sources.
  • Protection of biometric data — fingerprints and facial recognition data are separately protected.

Rights upon detention:

  • Maximum detention period without a court decision: 48 hours (previously 72 hours).
  • "Miranda rule" — from the moment of detention, you must be informed of your rights.
  • Right of immediate access to a lawyer from the moment of detention.
  • Right to notify relatives of detention.

Right to petition:

  • Citizens may submit petitions to the Kurultai. If a petition collects the number of signatures required by law, the Kurultai is obliged to consider it.

Presumption of innocence as a general principle:

  • Previously applied only in criminal proceedings. Now enshrined as a general constitutional principle for all types of legal relations.

Constitutional Court

From July 1, 2026, any citizen may directly apply to the Constitutional Court if they believe that a law applied to them violates their constitutional rights. Previously citizens had no such right.

What Does Not Change Immediately

  • The Kurultai is formed after elections (approximately autumn 2026).
  • The Vice President is appointed after the Kurultai is formed.
  • The People's Council launches after the relevant law is adopted.

Summary Table: Before and After July 1, 2026

Right / Norm Before July 1, 2026 From July 1, 2026
Detention without court 72 hours 48 hours
Rights upon detention Not automatically explained Mandatory explanation ("Miranda rule")
Digital data Not protected at constitutional level Constitutional protection
CC application Only through courts and prosecutor Direct citizen right
Petitions to parliament Not required to be considered Kurultai must consider
Presumption of innocence Criminal proceedings only General constitutional principle

Key facts

  • 48 hours instead of 72: reduction of maximum detention without court order
  • "Miranda rule": mandatory explanation of rights upon detention
  • Digital rights: personal data, communications, biometrics — at constitutional level
  • Citizens may apply to the Constitutional Court directly
  • Right to petition: the Kurultai must consider citizens' appeals
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.