Key Points
After the referendum of March 15, 2026, the constitutional reform moved from drafting to implementation. It is now important to distinguish between what has already been signed, what has been in force since 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 Constitution entered into force on July 1, while the institutional transition continues until the new bodies are formed.
What Has Been in Force Since July 1, 2026
- The new Constitution became the Basic Law of the country.
- The 1995 Constitution ceased to apply.
- Article 18 safeguards are in force: judicial control, an explanation of the grounds for restricting liberty and of rights, and legal assistance; detention periods are set by law. Citizen applications to the Constitutional Court have been accepted since January 1, 2023; the new Constitution preserves that mechanism.
Confirmed milestones
- The CEC published the Kurultai election results on 25 August 2026. ↗
- The first session of the first Kurultai opened on 28 August 2026. ↗
- Erlan Karin was appointed Vice President on 31 August 2026 by Decree No. 1417. ↗
- The sources reviewed on 5 September 2026 do not confirm the membership approval date or first session date of the Kazakhstan People's Council.
Facts
- 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; The sources reviewed on 5 September 2026 do not confirm the membership approval date or first session date of the Kazakhstan People's Council