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Full Text of the New Constitution Here you can access the full text of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan online in Kazakh and Russian, along with official publications and comparative materials. How the New Constitution Was Developed The new Constitution was created openly, with the participation of experts, citizens, and representatives of all regions. The process took six months – from September 2025 to February 2026 – and included collecting proposals, expert review, public discussions, and coordination. How to Read the Constitution It's better to read the Constitution in blocks rather than sequentially: first rights and freedoms, then the power structure and amendment procedure. Key Changes in the New Constitution The new Constitution preserves the foundations of statehood but changes the architecture of power and strengthens citizens' rights. Key changes: transition to a unicameral parliament, introduction of the Vice President, expansion of digital rights, and strengthened mechanisms of popular oversight. What Is the Constitution The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state that defines the structure of power, citizens' rights, and the basic rules of society. It is not a political program or ideological manifesto but the legal foundation upon which all other laws are built. The Constitution establishes the "rules of the game" for everyone – from the president to ordinary citizens. What Types of Laws Exist and How They Relate to Each Other The hierarchy runs: Constitution → constitutional laws → laws → presidential decrees → government resolutions → ministerial orders. Any lower-ranking act that contradicts a higher-ranking one has no legal force. The Constitution sits at the top. 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.

Minimum Turnout Requirement and Current Figures Yes, a referendum requires participation above 50% to have full legal force. Additionally, 'Yes' must prevail in at least 2/3 of regions. According to the CEC, as of 18:00, turnout has reached 70.98% (8,845,280 citizens received ballots) – the 50% threshold has been exceeded. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year. What Campaigning Rules Apply Before the Referendum Campaigning is permitted from 12 February to 13 March – both 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms. 14 March is a day of silence: no campaigning. 15 March is polling day. Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position. These rules apply online as well. What Is Happening and What Comes Next Voting took place on 15 March 2026. 87.15% voted in favour at 73.12% turnout. The Constitution was adopted and entered into force on 1 July 2026. The next practical stage is the Kurultai deputy elections scheduled for August 23, 2026 and the formation of new institutions. What Is a Referendum A referendum is a nationwide vote with direct legal force. Every citizen aged 18 and over votes personally and in secret. Three conditions must be met: turnout above 50%, a majority of 'Yes' votes, and 'Yes' in at least 2/3 of regions. The result is binding – it can only be reversed by another referendum. What Question Is on the Ballot The ballot contains one question: 'Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the 2026 Constitution of which was published in the mass media on 12 February 2026?' The answer is 'Yes' or 'No.' Voting is secret. What Questions Can Be Put to a Referendum A referendum is intended for issues of fundamental public and constitutional importance, not for routine administrative decisions. It is the mechanism by which citizens directly decide questions affecting the foundations of the state, the constitutional order, or other matters of nationwide significance. Who Monitors the Integrity of the Vote At every polling station – observers from parties, NGOs, media, and international missions (OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS). Observers from more than 30 countries have been invited. Each observer receives a copy of the count protocol. Discrepancies are grounds for verification and a court challenge. Why It Matters to Adopt the Constitution by Referendum Adopting the Constitution by referendum gives it especially strong political and public legitimacy. On March 15, 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan approved the updated basic law directly, rather than leaving the decision only to state institutions.

Basic Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution The Constitution guarantees core personal, political, social, and digital rights. Below is what the 2026 Constitution now protects directly, which guarantees became stronger, and where to go if a right is violated. Can Rights and Freedoms Be Limited Yes, but only under strict constitutional conditions. Any limitation of rights must be established by law, pursue a legitimate aim, and remain proportionate. The state may regulate rights, but it cannot abolish them arbitrarily or use vague restrictions for political convenience. How Rights Are Limited During Emergency and Wartime During a state of emergency or wartime, some rights may be temporarily restricted, but this does not place the state outside the Constitution. Such restrictions must remain lawful, temporary, public, and subject to oversight. How to Protect Your Constitutional Rights If a right is violated, the right path depends on the situation: an ordinary court, the Constitutional Court, the ombudsperson, or the prosecutor's office. Below is how to choose the right channel, what to prepare, and where to start without confusion. I Was Detained by Police – What Are My Rights From the moment of detention you have rights – to know the reason, contact a lawyer, notify relatives, and not testify against yourself. The maximum period without a court order is 48 hours (previously 72). This is Kazakhstan's version of the Miranda rule. My Personal Data Was Leaked – What Should I Do The 2026 Constitution for the first time protects personal and biometric data at the constitutional level. Collection, storage, and dissemination of data without consent is a violation of constitutional rights. Contact the authorised data protection body, the prosecutor's office, or the court. What Digital Rights Mean in the New Constitution Digital rights are among the major innovations of the new Constitution. They include protection of personal data, privacy of digital communications, control over information about oneself, and stronger constitutional safeguards in the online environment. What Does the 'Direct Effect' of the Constitution Mean 'Direct effect' means that constitutional provisions apply without waiting for additional legislation. If your right is written in the Constitution, you can invoke it in court directly – even if no specific law has yet been adopted. From 1 July 2026, digital rights may be invoked in the same way, without any additional statute. What Duties Citizens Have Under the Constitution The Constitution establishes not only rights but also duties: observe the laws, pay taxes, defend the country, care for children and parents, protect the environment. Without taxes there are no free schools. Without defending the country there is no security. Rights and duties are two sides of the same coin. What Rights a Person Has Upon Detention The new Constitution strengthens basic guarantees at the moment of detention, including the right to be informed of one’s rights, access to a lawyer, judicial control, and protection against unlawful pressure. It also reduces detention without court authorization from 72 to 48 hours.

Constitutional Court The Constitutional Court is the supreme body of constitutional review, ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and protecting the constitutional rights of citizens. Its decisions are final, binding, and take effect immediately after pronouncement. Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan The Government is the highest executive body responsible for implementing state policy, managing the economy, social development, and public administration. It is formed by the President and is accountable to both the President and the Kurultai under the new constitutional model. Kurultai: Kazakhstan's New Parliament The Kurultai is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The 2026 Constitution replaces the bicameral structure of the Senate and Mazhilis with a single representative body of 145 deputies elected through a nationwide proportional system. Its constitutional powers are significantly greater than those of the previous parliament. Local Government and Self-Government Local government and self-government are the institutions through which public authority is exercised at the level closest to citizens. They include local executive bodies, representative bodies, and self-government mechanisms that address everyday issues such as infrastructure, services, local budgets, and community development. National Bank The National Bank is the central bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is responsible for monetary policy, price stability, and the stability of the financial system. The Chair of the National Bank is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai. President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The President is the head of state, guarantor of the Constitution, and protector of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The President ensures the coordinated functioning of all branches of government and represents Kazakhstan domestically and internationally. The 2026 Constitution preserves the presidential form of government and strengthens checks and balances through broader parliamentary consent in key appointments. Prosecutor General The Prosecutor General is the highest official of the prosecution service and oversees compliance with the law throughout the state system. The Prosecutor General is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, combining executive nomination with parliamentary oversight. Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The Vice President is a new constitutional office created to ensure continuity of governance, coordination, and institutional stability. Appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, the Vice President acts on the President's instructions and does not constitute an independently elected political centre.

How a Citizen Can Participate in Governing the Country Participation extends beyond elections. The Constitution provides for peaceful assembly, appeals to state bodies (which are required to respond), applications to the Constitutional Court (free of charge), and public councils. The 2026 Constitution adds the People's Council – Khalyk Kenesi (126 members with the right of legislative initiative) and a formal petitions mechanism. You can stand for election to a maslikhat from age 20 and to the Kurultai from age 25. What Local Self-Government Is and How It Differs from Local Administration Local administration is a top-down hierarchy: akims appointed from the centre. Local self-government is a bottom-up initiative: residents themselves decide what to repair and build. Since 2021, village akims are elected by residents. The 2026 Constitution enshrines self-government at the constitutional level. What the Akim Does The akim is the head of the local executive authority and is responsible for administration, implementation of state policy, and management of local affairs within the relevant territory. In everyday life, the akim’s role is highly visible because it directly affects services, infrastructure, and local development. What the Local People’s Council Is The local People’s Council is a proposed participation mechanism at the local level through which residents, community representatives, experts, and civil society actors can discuss local issues and communicate them to public authorities. It is intended as a channel of dialogue, not a replacement for elected local institutions. What the Maslikhat Does The maslikhat is the local representative body through which local interests, oversight, and political accountability are expressed. Local governance should not consist only of executive administration – it must also include representation and public scrutiny. Why Local Self-Government Matters Local self-government matters because it is the level of public power closest to people’s everyday lives. It determines how communities are heard, how local priorities are set, and how quickly public problems can be identified and addressed.

How Petitions Work In the new constitutional model, a petition is an official mechanism through which citizens can collectively raise a public issue. Once the required level of support is reached, public authorities may be required to review the petition and, in some cases, bring it before the legislature. What Public Oversight Means Public oversight means that citizens, experts, media, and civil society organizations can monitor public decisions and the way they are implemented. In the new constitutional model, it forms part of democratic participation beyond elections. What Role Civil Society Plays Civil society is the sphere of organizations, communities, experts, initiatives, and associations that exist outside the state but actively influence public life. Under the new constitutional model, civil society gains a stronger role as a channel through which citizens can shape discussion, oversight, and reform. What the Kazakhstan People’s Council Is The Kazakhstan People’s Council is a consultative and advisory body under the President designed to provide a permanent channel of dialogue between the state and society. The new constitutional model strengthens its role as a forum where civil society, experts, regions, and social groups can express views on major reforms and public issues.

How the Constitution Protects the Right to Education and Health Free secondary education is compulsory for all. The Guaranteed Volume of Free Medical Care (GVFMC) is provided free of charge. The 2026 Constitution adds: the secular character of education becomes a constitutional norm (religious propaganda in schools is unconstitutional); and environmental protection and health are linked at the constitutional level. How the Relationship Between International Treaties and National Laws Will Change Previously, ratified international treaties took precedence over Kazakhstan's laws. In future, treaties and laws will be on the same level, with the Constitution above everything. Kazakhstan is not leaving international organisations, but the automatic priority of external norms over domestic law is removed. The same approach is used by the US, UK, and Russia (since 2020). How to Check Information About the Constitution The safest way to verify claims about the Constitution is to compare them with the full text, official comparison tables, and official explanatory materials. Social-media posts and short quotations often leave out context and can create a distorted impression. How to Discuss the Constitution With Family, Friends, or Colleagues Discuss the Constitution by focusing on the actual text, before-and-after comparisons, and practical examples rather than slogans or out-of-context excerpts. The goal should be understanding, not winning an argument. I Want to Start a Business – What Does the Constitution Guarantee The Constitution protects property rights and freedom of enterprise. The state is obliged to create conditions for business and cannot arbitrarily confiscate property. Disputes are resolved in court. I Was Fired – What Are My Constitutional Rights The Constitution guarantees the right to work and protection against unemployment. If dismissed unlawfully, you can turn to the court, the labour inspectorate, or the ombudsman. The new Constitution strengthens social guarantees and prohibits discrimination. My Child Was Refused Entry to School – What Does the Constitution Say The Constitution guarantees the right to free secondary education. Refusal of admission is unlawful. You can turn to the local education authority, the prosecutor's office, or the court. What the Constitution Says About Property and Business The Constitution guarantees private property and freedom of enterprise. Seizure of property is permitted only by court order and with equivalent compensation at market value. The ban on selling land to foreigners is retained. The 2026 Constitution adds environmental obligations for business at the constitutional level. What the New Constitution Changes for an Ordinary Person Constitutional change does not usually transform daily life overnight, but it can significantly affect how rights are protected, how public authority is exercised, how local participation works, and how the state interacts with citizens over time. When the New Constitution Entered Into Force Following the referendum of 15 March 2026, the new Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026. Until then, the 1995 Constitution remained in force. During the transition period (16 March – 30 June), all institutions continued operating, key laws were signed on June 5, and preparations continued for Kurultai elections. Where to Ask Questions If you have questions about the new Constitution, referendum procedure, or your rights, use official information portals, election resources, legal-information platforms, and authorised public institutions rather than relying on unverified online commentary. Why Reading the Text Matters In a referendum, a citizen votes not on a slogan, but on a legal text that shapes the foundations of the state. That is why reading the Constitution itself remains essential for understanding what changes and how new rules affect your rights.

How Kazakhstan Reached the 2026 Constitution The 2026 Constitution did not emerge suddenly. It is the product of a long constitutional evolution that began with independence in 1991, passed through the Constitutions of 1993 and 1995, and accelerated significantly after the constitutional changes of 2022. How to Read Constitutional Changes Correctly Constitutional change is easiest to understand when read historically rather than as isolated legal fragments. The best approach is to compare the previous and proposed texts and place them in the sequence of 1993, 1995, 2022, and 2026. What the 1993 Constitution Was The 1993 Constitution was the first Constitution of independent Kazakhstan. It established the legal foundations of sovereignty and marked the transition from the Soviet legal order to a national constitutional system. It remained, however, a transitional document and was soon superseded by a more stable constitutional model. What the 1995 Constitution Changed The 1995 Constitution created the basic framework of Kazakhstan’s modern state system. It clarified the structure of power, consolidated the presidential model, and provided the legal foundation for institutional stability over three decades. What the 2022 Constitutional Reforms Changed The 2022 constitutional reforms were aimed at rebalancing Kazakhstan’s political system. They marked a shift away from an overly centralised model toward a more balanced institutional arrangement, and served as a direct precursor to the deeper reforms of 2026.

Myth: 'A Referendum Is Always Better Than Parliament Because the People Decide' A referendum does not replace parliament – it complements it for fundamental questions. Voting on a budget or a tax code with a simple Yes/No is not feasible. The 2026 referendum is the appropriate case: 84% of the text is new, and the structure of power is fundamentally different. Myth: 'If the Constitution Was Adopted by Referendum, It Must Be Perfect' A referendum confers legitimacy – but not perfection. The US Constitution began by enshrining slavery. Kazakhstan's 1995 Constitution required 56 amendments in 2022. Every constitution is a compromise. That is precisely why the 2026 Constitution builds in mechanisms for renewal: the Constitutional Court, amendments, and the Khalyk Kenesi. Myth: 'If the Law Says So, the Constitution Doesn't Matter' Myth: 'The law is the law – the Constitution has nothing to do with it.' Fact: the Constitution stands above any law. If a law contradicts the Constitution, it has no legal force. The Constitutional Court strikes down unconstitutional provisions on any citizen's application – free of charge via eGov. Myth: 'The Constitution Doesn't Work Anyway, So What's Written in It Doesn't Matter' The claim that 'the Constitution doesn't work' is a common myth. Since 2023, the Constitutional Court has accepted dozens of applications from ordinary citizens and struck down several unconstitutional provisions. Applications are free and submitted via eGov. The Constitution works – when people use it. Myth: 'The Constitution Is All About Rights and Nobody Mentions Duties' Myth: 'The Constitution is just about demanding rights; duties are forgotten.' Fact: the section is titled 'Rights, Freedoms and Duties.' Duties are written out explicitly: taxes, defence, care for children and parents, protection of the environment. Rights and duties are inseparable. Myth: “Any Constitution is good simply because it is a Constitution” Not every constitution is good merely by virtue of existing. A constitution can be democratic and rights-protecting, or it can be vague, overly centralized, weak in guarantees, and ineffective in practice. What matters is not the title of the document, but its content, safeguards, and real operation. Myth: “Boycott is the strongest political response” A boycott is not the same as a “No” vote. According to the CEC, turnout had already reached 70.98% by 18:00, clearing the 50% threshold, while the final referendum result was 87.15% in favor. A “No” vote counted and affected the outcome; non-participation did not. Myth: “Everything changes the next day after the referendum” No. Citizens voted on March 15, the key laws were signed on June 5, and the Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026. The legal system does not transform overnight: elections, decrees, and institutional launch follow in sequence. Myth: “If a referendum has only one question, there is no real choice” A single-question referendum is not automatically fake, invalid, or meaningless. If the issue submitted is a unified constitutional project, one question can reflect a yes-or-no decision on the project as a whole. The key issue is not the number of questions but whether citizens have enough information to make an informed choice. Myth: “The new Constitution will improve life immediately” A Constitution is a legal foundation, not an automatic outcome. Real change depends on laws, court practice, and civic use. The distance between a norm and daily reality is usually measured in years of institutional work. “The Kurultai is just the Mazhilis under a new name” It is not a simple rename: the Senate is abolished, presidential appointments are removed, the election system changes, the threshold rises from 5% to 7%, and a 30% gender quota is introduced. “The People's Council replaces Parliament” No. The People's Council is a consultative body without the power to pass laws. Only the Kurultai adopts laws. The Council may submit initiatives, but they are not automatically binding.

Law on the Constitutional Court – what changes? The Constitutional Court retains its role as guarantor of constitutional supremacy. Key changes: expansion to 10 judges, appointed by the President with Kurultai consent for 8 years. Law on the Kurultai – building a new parliament from scratch The law on the Kurultai was signed on June 5, 2026. It fixes a unicameral parliament of 145 deputies elected by proportional representation, and on July 1 the President signed the decree calling the first elections. Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026. Law on the President – what changes? The constitutional law on the President was signed on June 5, 2026. It already aligns presidential powers with the new Constitution by introducing the office of Vice President and the new order of succession.

How is the Kurultai different from the Mazhilis and the Senate? The Kurultai is a unicameral parliament. The Senate and presidential appointments to parliament are abolished. There are 145 deputies instead of 147, the threshold rises from 5% to 7%, and a 30% gender quota is introduced. How is the People's Council formed? The body has 126 members divided into three equal groups: ethnocultural associations (42), NGOs and civil society (42), and maslikhats plus regions (42). Candidates are nominated by those structures and then approved by the President. When will the Vice President appear and how is the office filled? The first appointment is expected after the Kurultai is formed, likely in autumn 2026. The President nominates the candidate and the Kurultai approves by majority vote. Requirements include citizenship by birth, age 40+, 15 years in Kazakhstan, and command of Kazakh.

How will digital rights work in practice? The new Constitution for the first time enshrines personal data protection and the right to submit electronic appeals to state bodies. Implementation will require subordinate legislation – expected in 2026–2027. How will the Kurultai be formed? The Kurultai is a unicameral supreme representative body of 145 deputies. The constitutional law on the Kurultai was signed on June 5, 2026, and on July 1 the President signed the decree calling the first elections. The first Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026. What Changed on July 1, 2026 Since July 1, 2026, the Constitution has been in force. New rights are already being applied – digital rights, enhanced protection upon detention (48 hours instead of 72), and the right to petition. The Constitutional Court accepts citizens' applications. What Happens During the Transition Period The transition period from March 16 to June 30, 2026 is complete. Key laws were signed on June 5, the new Constitution entered into force on July 1, and the decree calling Kurultai elections has been signed. What We Already Know About the 2026 Kurultai Elections On July 1, 2026, after the Constitution entered into force, the President signed the decree calling the first Kurultai elections. The Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026; it is already known that the Kurultai will be a unicameral body of 145 deputies elected by proportional representation. What changed after the Constitution entered into force? The Constitution has been in force since July 1, 2026. New rights are already being applied, the key constitutional laws have been published, and the next public phase is the Kurultai elections scheduled for August 23, 2026. What constitutional laws were signed on June 5, 2026? Four core laws were signed: on the President, on the Kurultai, on the Constitutional Court, and on the People's Council. Together they introduce the Vice President, a 145-seat Kurultai with a 7% threshold and 30% quota, broader citizen access to the Constitutional Court, and a 126-member People's Council. They enter into force on July 1. When Will Kurultai Elections Be Held The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026. On July 1, 2026, after the Constitution entered into force, the President signed the decree calling the elections. The Kurultai is a unicameral body of 145 deputies elected by proportional representation. When did the new constitutional laws take effect? Some of the key laws were already signed on June 5, 2026. The Constitution itself took effect on July 1, and the next steps now depend on the signed decree for Kurultai elections and on the institutions tied to the new parliament. When will the Vice President appear and what is the role? The office of Vice President is established by the new Constitution and by the law on the President signed on June 5, 2026. The Vice President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, so the full launch of the office depends on the formation of the new parliament. Which New Institutions Come Next The new institutions go live on different timetables: direct citizen access to the Constitutional Court opened on July 1, 2026, the Vice President comes after the Kurultai is formed, and the People's Council is expected as the next public stage of the reform.