Key Points
After the referendum of March 15, 2026, the constitutional reform moved from the drafting stage to the launch stage. It is now important to distinguish between what has already been signed, what starts on July 1, and what still awaits a separate decree or organisational step.
What Has Already Happened
- On June 5, 2026, the signed constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were published.
- The basic model of the new institutions is already fixed in the official texts.
- The transition period continues until the Constitution enters into force.
What Starts on July 1, 2026
- The new Constitution becomes the Basic Law of the country.
- The 1995 Constitution ceases to apply.
- New constitutional guarantees begin to apply, including the reduction of detention without court to 48 hours and direct citizen access to the Constitutional Court.
What Is Expected Next
- After July 1, 2026, the President is expected to sign the decree calling Kurultai elections.
- The first elections to the unicameral Kurultai are expected in August 2026.
- The appointment of the Vice President depends on the formation of the Kurultai and its consent to the nominee.
- The Kazakhstan People's Council is expected as the next public stage of the reform in September 2026.
Facts
- 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