Why We Are Updating the Constitution
The 1995 Constitution laid the foundations of an independent state. But over 30 years, the economy, technology, public expectations, and governance institutions have changed. Updating the Constitution is not abandoning previous values but aligning the legal system with the reality of 2026.
What Changed in 30 Years
1. Digital Reality
In 1995, the internet was rare. Today, the digital space is part of everyday life. New challenges have emerged:
- Personal data protection
- Privacy of digital communications
- Statutory routes to request removal of information in defined cases
- Cybersecurity
The previous Constitution did not regulate these issues – they simply did not exist.
2. Balance of Powers
The experience of a bicameral parliament showed that coordination between two chambers increased the time of the legislative process. The transition to the unicameral Kurultai:
- Optimizes the legislative process while maintaining representation
- Strengthens personal accountability of deputies (all decisions are transparent and personalized)
- Expands parliamentary powers (from 13 to 23 constitutional functions)
3. Citizen Participation
Public demand for involvement has grown. People want not just to "vote once every 5 years" but to participate in discussing laws, oversee the government, and influence decisions. The new Constitution institutionalizes these mechanisms:
- Kazakhstan People's Council (Khalyq Keñesi) – a permanent platform for dialogue
- The right to individual and collective appeals; a separate petition process is governed by the Administrative Procedural Code
- Transparent public oversight procedures
4. Legal Guarantees
Over 30 years, international human rights standards have evolved. The new Constitution establishes:
- Rights explanation upon detention – authorities must explain the grounds for restricting liberty and the person’s rights
- Reduction of detention without court from 72 to 48 hours
- Presumption of innocence as a general constitutional principle (not just criminal)
- Strengthened protection of honor and dignity
What Does NOT Change
It's important to understand: this is not a "new Constitution from scratch." This is an update of the existing one. Preserved:
- Presidential form of government – the President remains the head of state
- Unitary state – Kazakhstan is a single state, not a federation
- Popular sovereignty – citizens are the source of power
- Fundamental rights and freedoms – freedom of speech, assembly, religion, property
Why Now
Constitutional reform is the result of a systematic process:
- September 2025: The Head of State announced the need for parliamentary reform in his Address
- October 2025: Working Group created (130+ experts: lawyers, business, NGOs, parliamentary parties)
- October–February: Open discussion via e-Otinish and eGov portals (2,000+ proposals)
- February 2026: Constitutional Commission completed work, text published
- March 2026: The referendum took place on March 15, 2026 – 87.15% voted in favour.
→ Compare constitutions: 1995 vs 2026 · Full text of the Constitution
Key facts
- 30 years = new reality: digitalization, new rights, changed institutions
- Not rewriting but updating: core values preserved
- Open process: 2,000+ citizen proposals, 130+ experts, public sessions
- The decision is yours: the referendum took place on March 15, 2026
Public positions and documents
An editorial selection showing how the topic developed and where it stands now.
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«Стратегическая цель конституционной реформы – укрепление государственности и независимости, повышение благосостояния граждан.»
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«Идея обновления Конституции зародилась два года назад. Затем она получила широкое обсуждение с последующей детальной разработкой проекта нового Основного закона.»
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«Глава государства отметил, что новая Конституция – это ориентир для народа, незыблемая основа справедливого общества и надежная гарантия устойчивого развития страны.»
Basis for this explainer
Constitutional provisions and primary sources supporting this explanation.
Constitutional provisions
Article 5· Article 21· Article 42· Article 49· Article 52· Article 70· Article 72· Article 94· Article 95· Article 96
Primary sources
Open sources the editorial team used to verify this explainer. Checked 16 July 2026.
Related articles
Quick links to the constitutional articles behind this explainer.