Question: What the New Constitution Changes for an Ordinary Person

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. ## What changes immediately and what does not

Many people ask a practical question: “What will actually change for me?” This is a fair question. A constitution usually does not directly fix roads, raise salaries, or lower prices the next day. But it sets the legal framework within which all later laws and institutions operate.

## Main practical effects

For an ordinary person, constitutional change may matter in several ways:

- stronger rights guarantees
- clearer procedural protections
- more accountability of public institutions
- better participation mechanisms
- stronger protection in the digital sphere

## How this appears in everyday life

In practice, this may affect:

- how personal data is protected
- what happens if a person is detained
- how complaints and petitions are handled
- how transparent government decisions become
- how local authorities communicate with residents

## Why the effect is indirect but important

A constitution usually works indirectly. It does not replace ordinary policy, but it shapes:

- who has power
- how that power is limited
- how rights are defended
- how citizens can influence public decisions

## Main idea

The Constitution affects everyday life not always by instant visible change, but by improving the legal guarantees behind a person’s relationship with the state. - Constitutional change affects ordinary life mainly through rights, procedures, and accountability
- Its effects are often indirect but structurally important
- Daily-life impact includes detention rights, data protection, complaints, and public transparency
- The Constitution shapes how citizens interact with the state over time

Practical

practical-what-changes-for-me faq practical Practical

Rights Protection

Digital Rights

Citizen Participation

Kurultai

Constitutional Court

Entry into Force


Question: How to Check Information About the Constitution

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. ## Why verification matters

Constitutional topics are complex, and short online claims can easily be misleading. A single sentence taken out of context may create a completely false picture of what the text actually says.

## Best sources to use

The most reliable order of verification is:

1. The full Constitution text.
2. The official before-and-after comparison table.
3. Official explanatory materials.
4. Official publications and competent public bodies.

## Questions to ask when checking a claim

When you see a strong claim online, ask:

- Is this really written in the text?
- Is it a new rule or an old one?
- Is the quote complete or selective?
- Is the explanation neutral or one-sided?
- Does the full article say something broader?

## Common online problem

In social media, people often:

- quote only one phrase
- omit the legal context
- mix fact with emotional interpretation
- fail to link to the original text

## Practical method

If a claim seems doubtful:
- open the full text
- compare the old and proposed versions
- look for the official explanation
- only then draw a conclusion

## Main idea

The best protection against misinformation is not louder opinion, but direct comparison with the original text and official materials.

→ [Full text of the Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - The best verification tools are the full text, comparison table, and official explanations
- Social-media fragments often distort meaning by removing context
- Claims should be checked against the original article, not only a quote
- Direct comparison is the most reliable way to test accuracy

Practical

practical-how-to-check-information faq practical Practical

Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources.

Official Publication of Acts

Access to Information

Legislative Regulation

Laws and Constitutional Laws

Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Official constitutional documents

Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum

Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan


Question: I Was Fired – What Are My Constitutional Rights

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. ## What the Constitution Guarantees

The Constitution of Kazakhstan directly protects your right to work:

- **Freedom of labour.** No one may compel you to work or deprive you of the right to work without lawful grounds.
- **Protection against unemployment.** The state is obliged to create conditions for employment and to support citizens who have lost their jobs.
- **Prohibition of discrimination.** Dismissal on grounds of sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, political beliefs, or social origin violates constitutional rights.
- **Right to fair remuneration.** The Constitution guarantees pay no lower than the legally established minimum.
- **Right to social protection.** If you lose your job, you are entitled to unemployment benefit and assistance in finding new employment.

## What to Do if Dismissed Unlawfully

**Step 1. Obtain the dismissal order**
The employer is obliged to provide you with a written dismissal order stating the grounds. Keep all documents.

**Step 2. Assess legality**
The Labour Code contains a closed list of grounds for dismissal. If you were dismissed without a lawful ground – this is unlawful dismissal.

**Step 3. Where to turn**

- **State Labour Inspectorate** – file a complaint within 10 working days. The inspectorate can oblige the employer to reinstate you.
- **Court** – a claim for unlawful dismissal must be filed within **1 month** of receiving the order. The court may reinstate you and award compensation for forced absence from work.
- **Human Rights Ombudsman** – if the violation is discriminatory in nature.
- **Trade union** – if you are a union member, it is obliged to defend your interests. - The Constitution guarantees the right to work and protection against unemployment
- Discriminatory dismissal violates constitutional rights
- Deadline for filing a claim: 1 month from receipt of the dismissal order
- Turn to: labour inspectorate, court, or ombudsman
- The court may reinstate you and award compensation

Practical

life-fired-from-job faq practical Practical

Human Rights

Right to Work


Question: I Want to Start a Business – What Does the Constitution Guarantee

I Want to Start a Business – What Does the Constitution Guarantee The Constitution establishes freedom of enterprise, property rights and judicial protection. Starting a business and resolving a dispute also require compliance with sector-specific law, documentation and time limits. ## What the Constitution provides

The Constitution establishes freedom of enterprise, property rights, protection of competition and judicial protection. These provisions guide laws and public decisions, but they do not replace registration, permits, contracts or tax obligations.

## Before starting

Check the requirements for the exact activity: registration, notice or permit regime, sector rules, taxes, employment and data handling. Land, construction, financial services, education, health care and trade may have additional conditions.

## If a dispute arises

1. Keep the decision, order, contract, correspondence and proof of the date you received the document.
2. Identify who made the decision and the legal provision relied upon.
3. Check any pre-trial procedure and the deadline for a complaint or claim.
4. Seek specialist help for a licence, property, competition or high-value dispute.

Atameken, the Business Ombudsman, the competition authority and the courts have different functions. The Constitutional Court may consider the constitutionality of an applied norm if admissibility requirements are met; it does not replace an ordinary dispute with a counterparty. - The Constitution provides baseline guarantees for enterprise and property
- Sector-specific law and transaction documents determine concrete requirements
- A dispute turns on the decision, legal basis, evidence and time limit
- The appropriate body depends on the subject of the dispute

Practical

life-start-business faq practical Practical

Human Rights

Property Guarantees

Private Property


Question: What the Constitution Says About Property and Business

What the Constitution Says About Property and Business The Constitution establishes property rights and freedom of enterprise. For a dispute about property, land, a contract or market access, special laws, procedure and the documents of the concrete case also matter. ## What the Constitution establishes

The Constitution recognises property, inheritance and freedom of enterprise. It also prohibits unfair competition and monopolistic activity within the limits established by law.

These provisions set a general legal boundary. Registration, licences, taxes, competition, land and transaction requirements are specified by special legislation.

## If the issue concerns property

Compulsory alienation for public needs is permitted in exceptional cases provided by law, through a court procedure and with equivalent compensation. The type of property, legal basis, valuation, time limit and appeal route depend on the particular procedure.

Keep notices, contracts, title records, valuation reports and other documents. They are needed to check the basis for a decision and the time limit for challenge.

## If the issue concerns business

Check the requirements for the specific activity, permits, tax and land rules, and the legal basis and time limit stated in an authority’s decision. Seek specialist advice where there is a risk of a fine, loss of property or a missed deadline. - The Constitution establishes property, inheritance and freedom of enterprise
- Detailed rules on land, competition and transactions come from special legislation
- In an alienation case, the legal basis, court procedure, valuation and appeal deadline matter
- The available remedy depends on the documents and circumstances of the case

Practical

practical-property-and-business faq practical Practical

Property

Private Property

Entrepreneurship

Environmental Protection


Question: My Child Was Refused Entry to School – What Does the Constitution Say

My Child Was Refused Entry to School – What Does the Constitution Say The Constitution guarantees compulsory free secondary education. If a child is not admitted, keep the notice and verify the stated reason with the school and education authority; the next step depends on the circumstances. ## Constitutional Right to Education

The Constitution of Kazakhstan establishes that **secondary education is compulsory and free**. This is not a privilege or a service at the school's discretion – it is the constitutional right of every child.

What is guaranteed:

- Every child has the **right to receive secondary education** in public educational institutions free of charge.
- Education is **compulsory** – the state is obliged to ensure access to it for every child.
- Refusal of admission to a state school **without a lawful basis** constitutes a violation of constitutional rights.

## What to Do if Refused

**Step 1.** Ask for a written notice or application status that states the reason and date. This gives you a document to verify rather than relying on an oral account.

**Step 2.** Ask the school and local education authority for an explanation. Applications and procedural requests can be made through eGov or in the prescribed offline form.

**Step 3.** If you believe the procedure was breached, submit a documented complaint to the competent authority. A prosecution complaint is considered within its competence and does not replace the prescribed challenge procedure or a court.

**Step 4.** Use court protection where necessary. The appropriate claim, deadline, and evidence depend on the stated reason, so obtain legal advice for a concrete dispute. - Secondary education in Kazakhstan is compulsory and free – this is a constitutional norm
- Refusal of admission without lawful grounds is unlawful
- Keep the written notice or application status
- Clarify the reason with the school and education authority first; choose the remedy based on the circumstances
- Court protection requires checking the stated reason, deadline, and documents

Practical

life-child-school-refused faq practical Practical

Human Rights

Right to Education


Question: How the Constitution Protects the Right to Education and Health

How the Constitution Protects the Right to Education and Health The Constitution establishes core guarantees for education and health. Admission to school, the scope of free care, service quality and the route for challenge depend on special law and the concrete circumstances. ## Education

The Constitution establishes core guarantees for education. Admission, language of instruction, special educational needs, grants and quality requirements are specified by special legislation and the procedures of the education provider.

If there is a problem with admission or learning conditions, request the provider's written explanation and the rule it relied on. The route for a complaint depends on the nature of the issue.

## Health

Health protection is a constitutional guarantee. The scope of care, referral, waiting time, quality of service and complaint procedure depend on health legislation and the concrete medical circumstances.

When care is refused or its quality is disputed, preserve the decision, medical records and dates. First address the provider and then use the competent authority or complaint procedure provided by law.

## For a concrete case

The Constitution provides the general guarantee; the practical outcome depends on the documents, applicable procedure and facts of the case. - The Constitution provides core guarantees for education and health protection
- Admission, scope of care and quality requirements are specified by special law
- Preserve written decisions and relevant educational or medical records
- The complaint route depends on the issue and applicable procedure

Practical

practical-education-health faq practical Practical

Rights Protection

Health Protection

Education

Environmental Protection


Question: How to Read Constitutional Changes Correctly

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. ## Where to begin

To understand constitutional reform, the first question is simple: **what is changing, and why**. That is why it is useful to read constitutional amendments not only article by article, but also in historical context.

## A practical reading order

1. Review the broad historical timeline: 1993, 1995, 2022, 2026.
2. Compare the current and proposed texts.
3. Focus on the structure of power: President, Kurultai, Government, Constitutional Court.
4. Read the rights section separately, especially digital rights and procedural guarantees.
5. Study participation mechanisms such as petitions, the People’s Council, and public oversight.

## Why historical comparison matters

If you read only the new text, it is harder to see the scale and meaning of the reform. If you compare it with the 1995 model, the 2022 reforms, and earlier institutional practice, the logic becomes much clearer.

## Why before-and-after comparison helps

Comparative reading lets you see:
- which institutions remain
- which are new
- which powers expand or narrow
- which rights receive stronger protection

## Practical advice

When reading the constitutional text:
- do not try to absorb everything at once
- mark the areas most important to you
- read explanatory cards alongside the formal text
- use official comparison tables whenever possible

→ [2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - Constitutional reform is easier to understand in historical context
- The key comparison stages are 1993, 1995, 2022, and 2026
- Before-and-after reading clarifies the logic of change
- The most important blocks are power, rights, and participation

History

constitution-how-to-read faq history History

Direct Effect and Supremacy

Rights Protection

President

Kurultai

People's Council

Constitutional Court

Local Government

Constitutional Amendments

Official constitutional documents


Question: What the 2022 Constitutional Reforms Changed

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. ## Meaning of the 2022 reforms

The 2022 constitutional reforms were an important stage in the modernization of Kazakhstan’s political system. Their main purpose was to make the institutional design more balanced and more responsive to public demands.

## Main directions

The 2022 reform process involved:
- reconsideration of parts of presidential power
- strengthening of the role of representative institutions
- renewal of constitutional review mechanisms
- adjustments to rights-protection structures
- greater emphasis on accountability and institutional balance

## Why it was a turning point

These reforms mattered because they showed:
- that the previous model had structural limits
- that the state was moving toward gradual institutional recalibration
- that broader constitutional change was becoming possible

## Link to 2026

The 2026 constitutional project can be understood as a continuation of the 2022 reforms, but on a broader and more systemic level.

If 2022 was:
- the beginning of constitutional rebalancing,

then 2026 is presented as:
- deeper redesign of the architecture of power,
- stronger participation mechanisms,
- and wider constitutional guarantees.

## Why this stage matters

It is difficult to understand the 2026 project without understanding 2022. The later reforms did not emerge from nowhere; they grew out of the institutional debates and adjustments already underway. - The 2022 reforms aimed to rebalance the political system
- They strengthened accountability and institutional recalibration
- They served as a precursor to the 2026 constitutional project
- 2026 can be read as a deeper continuation of the 2022 shift

History

constitution-reforms-2022 faq history History

Popular Sovereignty

Citizen Participation

Constitutional Court

Human Rights Commissioner

Constitutional Amendments

Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)

Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Official constitutional documents


Question: What the 1993 Constitution Was

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. ## Historical role

After independence, Kazakhstan needed a new legal foundation for its statehood. In that context, the Constitution adopted on **January 28, 1993** became the first full Constitution of independent Kazakhstan.

It:
- affirmed sovereignty
- laid the foundations of a national legal order
- established basic rights and freedoms
- defined the first structure of state institutions

## Why it was a transition document

The 1993 Constitution reflected a period of transformation. Kazakhstan was moving away from the Soviet system, but many institutional ideas were still in formation.

Its main features included:
- a transition-era political design
- incomplete clarification of relations between branches of power
- institutional experimentation typical of a new state
- a constitutional model that had not yet fully stabilized

## Why it did not remain in force for long

The 1993 Constitution played an important role, but practice soon showed its limits:

- the balance of powers was not yet fully settled
- state-governance mechanisms required greater clarity
- political and economic changes demanded a more stable institutional design

These factors contributed to the need for a new constitutional framework in 1995.

## Its legacy

The 1993 Constitution remains historically important because it:
- marked the beginning of independent constitutional statehood
- opened the first stage of Kazakhstan’s constitutional development
- prepared the ground for the 1995 Constitution

It was important not because it was final, but because it fulfilled the task of the transition period. - The 1993 Constitution was adopted on January 28, 1993
- It was the first Constitution of independent Kazakhstan
- It was a transition-era constitutional document
- It laid the foundation for the 1995 constitutional model

History

constitution-history-1993 faq history History

State Foundations

Popular Sovereignty

Constitution and Applicable Law

Official constitutional documents


Question: How Kazakhstan Reached the 2026 Constitution

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. ## A long constitutional path

The 2026 Constitution is better understood not as a one-time political event, but as part of Kazakhstan’s longer constitutional evolution.

Key milestones in that path include:
- **1991** – independence
- **1993** – the first Constitution
- **1995** – the constitutional framework of the current state system
- **1998, 2007, 2011, 2017, 2022** – major reform stages
- **2025–2026** – drafting, discussion, and referendum (the referendum was held on 15 March)

## What this evolution showed

Over more than three decades, Kazakhstan:
- consolidated statehood
- developed institutions of power
- built its legal system
- adapted to changing social and political realities

But over time, new questions became harder to ignore:
- balance of power
- digital-era rights
- citizen participation in decision-making
- parliamentary effectiveness
- continuity and accountability

## Why the 2026 Constitution was proposed

The 2026 Constitution is not a cosmetic amendment, but as a deeper reconsideration of several major areas:

- replacing bicameral parliament with the Kurultai
- creating the office of Vice President
- constitutionalizing digital rights
- expanding mechanisms of participation and public oversight

## Role of 1995 and 2022

The 1995 Constitution provided stability.
The 2022 reforms opened the path toward rebalancing.
The 2026 Constitution combines those two experiences and marks a new stage of development.

## Main idea

The 2026 Constitution is not a rejection of the past. It is the next step in the constitutional development of independent Kazakhstan.

→ [Full text of the 2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) · [Compare](/compare?lang=en) - The 2026 Constitution is the result of long constitutional evolution
- Key stages include 1991, 1993, 1995, 2022, and 2026
- The project revisits power, rights, and participation mechanisms
- It is framed as the next step rather than a denial of previous constitutional history

History

constitution-history-path-to-2026 faq history History

Popular Sovereignty

Citizen Participation

Constitutional Amendments

Entry into Force

Transitional Provisions

Alignment of Legislation

Official constitutional documents


Question: “The People's Council replaces Parliament”

“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. ## Myth
“The People's Council will become the new parliament and replace the Kurultai.”

## Fact
The People's Council is a **consultative body**, not a legislative parliament.

## What It Can Do
- put forward **initiatives**
- raise issues for political discussion
- represent public and regional interests

## What It Cannot Do
- **pass laws**
- replace the vote of deputies
- automatically trigger binding decisions

## Who Passes Laws
Laws are adopted **only by the Kurultai** as the parliamentary body.

## Why the Distinction Matters
If consultative and legislative functions are blurred, it becomes easy to overstate the powers of the People's Council and understate the role of parliament. The new model adds another channel of participation, but it does not replace representative power.

Myths

myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament faq myths Myths

Kurultai

People's Council

Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council


Question: “The Kurultai is just the Mazhilis under a new name”

“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 women, young people, and persons with disabilities must jointly make up at least 30% of a party list. ## Myth
“The Kurultai is just the Mazhilis with a new label.”

## Fact
The new model changes not the signboard, but **the entire parliamentary architecture**.

## What Changes in Substance
- The **Senate is abolished** – the bicameral model disappears.
- **Presidential appointments are removed** – there are no more appointed Senate seats.
- The **election system changes** – the Kurultai is formed under a new model.
- The **threshold rises** from **5% to 7%**.
- Women, young people, and persons with disabilities must jointly make up **at least 30% of a party list**.

## Why the Myth Appears
From a distance it may look as though only the name changed because parliament still passes laws. But the structure, formation process, and logic of representation are all different.

## Conclusion
The Kurultai is not “the same Mazhilis,” but a new constitutional model of parliament.

Myths

myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis faq myths Myths

Kurultai

Kurultai

Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates

Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan


Question: Myth: 'The Constitution Doesn't Work Anyway, So What's Written in It Doesn't Matter'

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. ## The myth

"The Constitution doesn't work anyway. It doesn't matter what's written in it – in practice, officials decide everything."

## The facts

The Constitution is not a magic button. It works through specific mechanisms:

- **Constitutional Court (CC)** – reviews laws for compliance with the Constitution. If a law contradicts it, the Court strikes it down. Since 2023, the CC has accepted dozens of applications from ordinary citizens and found certain provisions unconstitutional. Applications are free and submitted via eGov.
- **Courts of general jurisdiction** – apply constitutional provisions directly in specific cases
- **Prosecutor's Office** – supervises compliance with the law
- **Ombudsman** – considers complaints about the actions of state bodies

**A concrete example:** a law found unconstitutional by the CC loses its force – not just for one person but for everyone. That is a direct change to the legal landscape, not a "recommendation."

## Why it seems not to work

Three reasons:

1. **People do not use the tools.** Many do not know that an application to the CC is free and does not require a lawyer
2. **Media do not cover CC decisions** – they do not make headlines the way scandals do
3. **Results are not immediate.** The legal system works slowly – but systematically. Each CC decision creates a precedent

## An analogy

Saying "the Constitution doesn't work" is like saying "medicine doesn't work" without ever seeing a doctor. The tool works when people use it.

## Why this myth exists

Years during which constitutional mechanisms were weak – when there was a Constitutional Council rather than a Court, with limited citizen access – created a sense of futility. The Constitutional Court was restored in 2023 and began operating. But trust recovers more slowly than institutions do. - The Constitutional Court has been working since 2023 and accepts applications from ordinary citizens free of charge (via eGov)
- Several provisions have been found unconstitutional and lost their force – for everyone, not just for the applicant
- Four protection mechanisms: Constitutional Court, courts, Prosecutor's Office, Ombudsman
- A lawyer is recommended for CC applications but is not required

Myths

myths-constitution-doesnt-work faq myths Myths

Supremacy of the Constitution

Rights Protection

Constitutional Court

Judicial Referral to the Constitutional Court

Constitutional Court ruling No. 89-NP of July 7, 2026


Question: Myth: “The new Constitution will improve life immediately”

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. ## Myth
“Once the Constitution is adopted, life will improve right away.”

## Fact
A Constitution sets the legal frame and direction, but it does not turn a norm into everyday reality overnight.

## Why
- The Constitution introduced **digital rights**, but the detailed implementation rules still have to be adopted by **Parliament**.
- The Constitutional Court now offers **broader citizen access**, but that access has to be used: people must file petitions, build practice, and push for decisions.
- Even a strong constitutional norm becomes real only when courts, public bodies, and citizens actively apply it.

## Historical Pattern
The gap between a new norm and stable practice is often **3 to 7 years**. That time goes into legislation, subordinate acts, court precedents, and institutional adjustment.

## What Matters for Citizens
The Constitution opens possibilities, but the outcome depends on how consistently society, courts, and parliament make use of them.

Myths

myth-constitution-solves-everything faq myths Myths

Popular Sovereignty

Supremacy of the Constitution


Question: Myth: 'The Constitution Is All About Rights and Nobody Mentions Duties'

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. ## The myth

"Everyone just demands rights, and duties have been forgotten. The Constitution is about 'what I'm owed.'"

## The facts

The relevant section of the Constitution is titled "Rights, Freedoms and **Duties** of the Person and Citizen." The word "duties" is right there in the heading.

**Specific duties:**
- Observe the Constitution and laws
- Pay taxes and levies
- Defend the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Care for children (maintain and raise them)
- Care for incapacitated parents
- Protect nature and the environment
- Respect the rights and freedoms of others
- Complete secondary education – an obligation, not only a right

**How rights and duties are connected:**

| Your right | Related duty | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Free education | Pay taxes | Schools are funded from your taxes |
| Security | Defend the country | The army and police are a collective effort |
| A healthy environment | Protect nature | Clean air is the result of shared responsibility |
| Social protection | Pay taxes | Pensions and benefits come from tax revenue |

**Breaching duties is not abstract:**
- Non-payment of taxes → administrative or criminal liability
- Evasion of military service → liability under the law
- Failure to pay child support → enforcement through the courts

## Why this myth exists

The media discuss rights more often – they make better headlines. "Freedom of expression" is a story. "The duty to pay taxes" is not. But in the constitutional text itself, duties occupy as much space as rights. - The section is titled "Rights, Freedoms and Duties" – duties are in the heading
- Specific duties: taxes, defence, children, parents, environment, laws
- Breaching duties brings real consequences (fines, courts, criminal proceedings)
- The 2026 Constitution retains all duties and strengthens the environmental one

Myths

Human Rights and Duties

Compliance with the Constitution and Laws

Taxes and Duties

Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Family Duties

Environmental Protection

Limits on Rights Restrictions


Question: Myth: “Any Constitution is good simply because it is a Constitution”

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. ## Why this myth is misleading

The word “Constitution” sounds authoritative and important. Because of that, some people assume that the mere existence of a constitutional text is already a sign of a good political system. That is not always true.

## What makes a constitution good

A constitution should be judged by whether it:

- limits state power
- protects rights and freedoms
- creates real checks and balances
- provides workable institutions
- can be enforced in practice

## What makes a constitution weak

A constitution may look impressive on paper and still fail if:

- rights exist only formally
- oversight institutions are weak
- power is too concentrated
- procedures are unclear
- constitutional rules are ignored in practice

## Why implementation matters

Even a well-written constitution can disappoint if institutions do not follow it. A constitution is not only text. It is also:

- courts
- oversight bodies
- political culture
- administrative practice

## Main idea

A constitution should be judged by how well it protects people and structures power, not simply by the fact that it exists. - Not every constitution is good simply because it exists
- A strong constitution limits power and protects rights
- Weak implementation can undermine even a well-written text
- The real test is content, safeguards, and practice

Myths

myth-any-constitution-good faq myths Myths

Popular Sovereignty

Supremacy of the Constitution

Rights Protection

Limits on Rights Restrictions


Question: Myth: 'If the Law Says So, the Constitution Doesn't Matter'

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. ## The myth

"An official says: 'I am entitled to do this under the law.' So everything is lawful – what does the Constitution have to do with it?"

## The facts

The Constitution stands above any law. This is the principle of **supremacy**.

**The hierarchy is simple:**
1. **Constitution** – the supreme legal act
2. **Constitutional laws** – subordinate to the Constitution
3. **Ordinary laws** – subordinate to both the Constitution and constitutional laws
4. **Decrees, resolutions, orders** – subordinate to everything above

If an ordinary law contradicts the Constitution, it **has no legal force**.

**How this works:**
1. Parliament adopts a law
2. The law contains a provision that violates a constitutional right
3. A citizen applies to the Constitutional Court (free of charge, via eGov)
4. The CC reviews the law
5. If the contradiction is confirmed, the provision loses its force **for all citizens**, not only for the applicant

**Three real-life situations:**
- An official says: "I am entitled to do this under the law" → if the law contradicts the Constitution, he is not
- An employer cites an internal order → an order ranks below the Constitution
- A police officer cites an instruction → the instruction ranks below the law, and the law ranks below the Constitution

**What to do:**
- In court – cite the specific article of the Constitution directly
- At the CC – ask it to review the constitutionality of the law (free of charge, no lawyer required)
- At the Prosecutor's Office – report the application of an unconstitutional provision

## Why this myth exists

Decades of practice in which "the law is the law" meant "don't argue with the state." The Constitutional Council (before 2023) was inaccessible to citizens. The Constitutional Court was restored in 2023 and accepts applications from anyone. But the habit of "not arguing with the law" is still stronger than knowledge of one's rights. - The Constitution stands above any law, decree, and order
- An unconstitutional law loses its force after a CC ruling – for all citizens
- CC applications are free, submitted via eGov; no lawyer required
- The Constitutional Court has been operating since 2023 and has already struck down unconstitutional provisions

Myths

myths-law-vs-constitution faq myths Myths

Applicable Law and Constitutional Supremacy

Subjects of Legislative Regulation

Laws and Constitutional Laws

Local Normative Acts


Question: Law on the Kurultai – building a new parliament from scratch

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. ## Status
✅ **Signed on June 5, 2026** and published as a separate constitutional law.

## What Is Already Fixed
- The Kurultai is a **unicameral** parliament.
- It consists of **145 deputies**.
- The basis of formation is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.
- The term of office for deputies is **5 years**.

## What Happens Next
- The Constitution entered into force on **July 1, 2026**.
- On **July 1, 2026**, the presidential decree calling the first elections was signed.
- The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.
- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026.

## What This Changes Compared with the Former Model
| Parameter | Parliament (1995) | Kurultai (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Chambers | 2 (Mazhilis + Senate) | 1 |
| Deputies | 98 + 49 = 147 | 145 |
| Formation | Separate chamber procedures | Unified national model |

## Source
Official publication announcing the signing of the law – Akorda website, June 5, 2026.

Constitutional Laws

law-on-kurultai faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

First Kurultai Election

Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026

Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election

Summary: The legal model for the Kurultai is established and its first election is scheduled for 23 August 2026.

Track the election result, formation of the Kurultai, and the start of its work.


Question: Law on the Constitutional Court – what changes?

Law on the Constitutional Court – what changes? The Constitutional Court retains its role as guarantor of constitutional supremacy. The new model changes the composition from 11 to 10 judges, the appointment process, and term length; citizen applications have been accepted since January 1, 2023. ## Status
✅ **In force** – the updated law on the Constitutional Court has been in force since July 1, 2026

## Current State
The Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan has been operating since 1 January 2023 (replaced the Constitutional Council). It ensures constitutional supremacy and reviews appeals from citizens, deputies, the President, and courts regarding constitutionality of laws.

## What the New Constitution Changes

### Composition
| Parameter | Was | Now |
|---|---|---|
| Number of judges | 11 (Chair + 10) | 10 (appointed by President) |
| Term | 6 years | 8 years |
| Who appoints | 4 President, 4 Senate, 2 Mazhilis | All 10 – President with Kurultai consent |

### Powers
- Resolving disputes about elections and referendums
- Reviewing constitutionality of laws before presidential signature
- Interpreting constitutional norms
- Reviewing citizen appeals (preserved)

### New
- Presidential voluntary resignation is filed through the Constitutional Court
- Enhanced role in presidential impeachment

## Related Constitution Articles
Section VI: Art. 71–76 of the new Constitution

Constitutional Laws

law-on-constitutional-court faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws

Constitutional Court

Constitutional Court

Constitutional Court

Constitutional Court

Summary: The Constitutional Court operates and has accepted citizen applications since 1 January 2023; the new Constitution preserves this mechanism.

Monitor new Court decisions and application of the 2026 Constitution.


Question: How is the People's Council formed?

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. ## Composition
The People's Council includes **126 members** divided into three equal groups of **42 each**:
- representatives of **ethnocultural associations**
- representatives of **NGOs, professional associations, and civil society**
- representatives of **maslikhats and regional public councils**

## How It Is Formed
- First, candidates are **nominated by the relevant bodies**
- Then the final composition is **approved by the President**
It is not an elected parliamentary body, but a **consultative and nominative** constitutional institution.

## Powers
- the **right of legislative initiative** in the Kurultai
- the **right to initiate a referendum**
- sessions held **at least once a year**

## How It Differs from the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan
The old Assembly is dissolved. The People's Council becomes its constitutional successor, but with a **wider mandate** that covers not only ethnocultural bodies, but also NGOs, professional groups, and regions.

## Term and Launch
- members serve **4-year terms**
- the law has been in force since July 1 and the Secretariat was created on July 2; no date for approving the membership or holding the first session has yet been published

Kurultai Elections

halyk-kenesi-how-formed faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections

People's Council

People's Council

Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council


Question: When will the Vice President appear and what is the role?

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. ## Why the Vice President is Introduced
Under the 1995 Constitution, if presidential powers ended early, they passed to the Chair of the Senate, then the Chair of the Mazhilis, and then the Prime Minister. The new model places the Vice President first in that chain, making the mechanism of continuity more direct and manageable.

## New Succession Order
1. **Vice President** – first in line
2. Chair of the Kurultai – if the Vice President cannot assume the powers
3. Prime Minister – next in the order of substitution

## How the Office is Filled
- The Vice President is appointed by the **President**.
- The appointment requires the **consent of the Kurultai**.
- Exact qualification details should be checked against the final text of the signed law on the President and the official publication.

## When the Institution Can Fully Start
- The constitutional norm begins to operate on **July 1, 2026**.
- Under Article 95, the appointment must be made within two months after the opening of the first session of the first Kurultai and requires the Kurultai's consent.

## Fact
The Vice President institution existed in Kazakhstan in 1991–1995. The first and only Vice President was Erik Asanbayev.

Current Focus

vice-president-when faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Official constitutional documents


Question: Which New Institutions Come Next

The reform follows different timelines: the Vice President comes after the Kurultai is formed, the People's Council is expected as the next public stage, while the citizen application mechanism at the Constitutional Court has operated since 2023.

What New Institutions Will Be Created The reform follows different timelines: the Vice President is appointed after the first Kurultai session, the law on the Kazakhstan People's Council is in force and its Secretariat was created on July 2, while the citizen application mechanism at the Constitutional Court has operated since 2023. ## Two New Institutions and One Existing Mechanism

### 1. Vice President

This is a new institution of continuity and coordination in the executive branch. The Vice President is appointed by the President **with the consent of the Kurultai**, so the practical launch depends on when the new parliament is formed.

### 2. Kazakhstan People's Council

This is a constitutional consultative and advisory body under the President. Its law has been in force since July 1 and its **Secretariat was created on July 2, 2026**. No separate official date for approving the membership or holding the first session has yet been published.

### 3. Constitutional Court: the Mechanism Has Operated Since 2023

The Constitutional Court has operated since **January 1, 2023** and has accepted citizen applications concerning regulatory legal acts that directly affect constitutional rights and freedoms. The 2026 Constitution and updated law preserve and clarify this mechanism; they did not create it for the first time.

## Why It Matters Not to Merge These Timelines

Not every element of the reform starts on the same day. Citizen access to the Constitutional Court has existed since 2023, while the Vice President and part of the parliamentary mechanisms depend on the formation of the Kurultai. - The Constitutional Court has considered citizen applications since January 1, 2023
- The Vice President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai
- The Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council was created on July 2; no first-session date has yet been published
- The new institutions launch on different timelines rather than all at once
- The formation of the Kurultai remains the key intermediate stage

Current Focus

transition-new-institutions faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Vice President

People's Council

People's Council

Constitutional Court

Citizens have been able to apply to the Constitutional Court since 1 January 2023; this mechanism did not first open on 1 July 2026.

Summary: The Constitution is in force, access to the Constitutional Court continues, the Kazakhstan People's Council Secretariat has been created, and the remaining new institutions are being introduced in stages.

First come the Kurultai election and formation; later decisions depend on separate official acts.


Question: When Will Kurultai Elections Be Held

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 the Elections Are Scheduled

After the Constitution entered into force on **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the decree calling the first Kurultai elections. The voting date is **August 23, 2026**.

## What the Kurultai Will Be

- It is a **unicameral** supreme representative body.
- It consists of **145 deputies**.
- Its basic model is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.
- The term of office for deputies is **5 years**.

## What Still Needs to Appear

- The exact election date, if it is published separately in an official decree text or the CEC calendar.
- The CEC calendar.
- Practical rules for registration and campaigning.

## What Happens to the Current Parliament

Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026. The new parliamentary architecture will be formed after the Kurultai election, opening of its first session, and start of its work.

## What Happens After the Elections

Once the Kurultai is formed, the way opens for the appointment of the Vice President with its consent and for the next institutional cycle of the new Constitution. - The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026
- On July 1, 2026, the presidential decree calling the elections was signed
- The Kurultai is a unicameral body of 145 deputies
- Its basis is proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency
- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026

Current Focus

transition-kurultai-elections faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai


Question: What constitutional laws were signed on June 5, 2026?

What constitutional laws were signed on June 5, 2026? Four core laws cover the President, the Kurultai, the Constitutional Court, and the Kazakhstan People's Council. They entered into force on July 1, 2026. The Kurultai law sets 145 seats, a 7% threshold, and an aggregate quota of at least 30% for women, young people, and persons with disabilities; citizen access to the Constitutional Court has operated since 2023. ## What Happened on June 5, 2026
On June 5, 2026, the President signed **four constitutional laws**. They enter into force together with the Constitution on **July 1, 2026**.

## 1. Law on the President
It:
- introduces the **office of Vice President**
- fixes candidate requirements
- describes the appointment procedure
- defines powers in force-majeure situations

## 2. Law on the Kurultai
It fixes:
- **145 deputies**
- a **single nationwide constituency**
- a **proportional system**
- a **7% threshold**
- an aggregate quota of **at least 30% for women, young people, and persons with disabilities**
- the structure: **Chair, deputies, committees**
- a **5-year** term of office

## 3. Law on the Constitutional Court
[More: /p/law-on-constitutional-court?lang=en]
It preserves and clarifies the Constitutional Court model:
- citizens have been able to apply **directly since January 1, 2023**
- filing is **free of charge**
- the updated institutional model has applied since **July 1, 2026**

## 4. Law on the People's Council
It introduces:
- **126 members** under the **42 + 42 + 42** formula
- the status of a **supreme consultative body**
- the **right of legislative initiative**
- **4-year** terms for members

## Why This Matters
These laws show that part of the new institutional architecture has already been fixed before the Constitution formally takes effect. But the actual launch procedures still depend on **July 1, 2026** and the steps that follow.

## Where to Read the Texts
The official texts are published on **adilet.zan.kz**.

Current Focus

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President

Kurultai

People's Council

Constitutional Court


Question: What Happens During the Transition Period

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 the Transition Period Means

After the referendum of March 15, 2026, Kazakhstan went through a transition window from March 16 to June 30, 2026. During this time the new Constitution had already been adopted, but the country's formal legal framework still operated under the 1995 model.

## What Remained in Force Until July 1

- The 1995 Constitution remained in force until **July 1, 2026**.
- The President, Government, Mazhilis, Senate, courts, and other institutions continued to work without interruption until the new Constitution entered into force; the former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1.
- Citizens were not left in a legal vacuum: the older norms continued to apply until replacement.

## What Has Already Been Completed During the Transition

- On **June 5, 2026**, the signed constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were published.
- Part of the transition work was completed even before the Constitution formally entered into force.

## What Was Completed by July 1

- The launch of new procedures was prepared organisationally.
- On July 1, 2026, the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed.
- Subordinate acts for rights and institutions requiring administrative implementation continue to be updated.

## Key Dates

- **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; no first-session date has yet been published

## Why This Stage Matters

The transition period exists so that the state does not switch systems in a single moment. It preserves continuity of power, allows part of the legislative work to be completed in advance, and brings the country to July with a prepared model for launching the new institutions. - Transition period: March 16 to June 30, 2026
- The 1995 Constitution remained in force until July 1, 2026
- Key constitutional laws were already signed on June 5, 2026
- On July 1, 2026, the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed
- August 23, 2026 is the scheduled voting date; no first-session date for the Kazakhstan People's Council has yet been published

Current Focus

transition-period-overview faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Constitutional Foundations

Kurultai

Entry into Force

Transition to New Institutions

Alignment of Legislation

Summary: The transition continues after the Constitution entered into force; the next confirmed stage is the Kurultai election.

Monitor official acts on formation of the Kurultai, the Vice President, and the Halyk Council.

constitution-2026-official halyk-council-secretariat-decree kurultai-election-decree election-commission-portal


Question: How are office terms counted after the new Constitution entered into force?

How are office terms counted after the new Constitution entered into force? On July 7, 2026, the Constitutional Court explained that holding the relevant office under the 1995 Constitution does not itself prevent a new election or appointment. For limits in the new Constitution, an election or appointment after July 1, 2026 is treated as the first. ## What the Constitutional Court Decided
In ruling No. 89-NP of July 7, 2026, the Court gave an official interpretation of Articles 43, 72, 83, and 84 of the new Constitution.
- Terms and appointments under the 1995 Constitution do not automatically count as a first term for limits under the 2026 Constitution.
- Prior service in the relevant office does not itself create a constitutional bar to election or appointment after July 1, 2026.
- An election or appointment after the new Constitution entered into force is treated as the first for applying the new limits.
## Who the Interpretation Covers
The ruling concerns offices expressly named in the provisions reviewed: the President, the Chair and judges of the Constitutional Court, the Chair of the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General.
## What the Ruling Does Not Do
It does not appoint specific people or automatically extend anyone's powers. Every election or appointment must still follow the procedure established by the Constitution and legislation.

Current Focus

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President

Constitutional Court

Supreme Court

Prosecutor's Office


Question: How is the Kurultai different from the Mazhilis and the Senate?

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 and the threshold rises from 5% to 7%. Women, young people, and persons with disabilities must jointly make up at least 30% of a party list. ## What the Previous Model Looked Like
The old parliamentary model had two chambers:
- **Mazhilis** – 98 deputies
- **Senate** – 49 senators
Total – **147 seats**.

In addition:
- **9 Mazhilis deputies** were elected from single-member constituencies.
- **13 senators** were appointed by the President.

## What Changes Now
The Kurultai becomes a **unicameral** parliament:
- **145 deputies**
- All elected through **proportional representation**
- A **single nationwide constituency**
- A **7% threshold**
- Women, young people, and persons with disabilities jointly make up **at least 30% of a party list**

## Comparison at a Glance
| Parameter | Mazhilis + Senate | Kurultai |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Bicameral | Unicameral |
| Seats | 98 + 49 = 147 | 145 |
| Single-member seats | 9 | – |
| Presidential appointments | 13 (Senate) | – |
| Threshold | 5% | 7% |
| Party-list quota | Different rules under the former model | At least 30% jointly for women, young people, and persons with disabilities |

## Practical Meaning
The new model removes duplication between the two chambers, makes the parliamentary architecture more direct, and raises the threshold for parties entering parliament.

Kurultai Elections

kurultai-vs-mazhilis faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections

Structure and Elections of the Kurultai

Structure and Elections of the Kurultai

Structure and Elections of the Kurultai


Question: Law on the President – what changes?

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. ## Status
✅ **Signed on June 5, 2026** and published in the official legal acts section.

## What Is Already Fixed
- The office of the **Vice President** is introduced.
- The Vice President is appointed by the **President with the consent of the Kurultai**.
- The new order of succession puts the Vice President first in line to assume presidential powers.

## What This Changes in Practice
| Priority | Was (1995) | Now (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chair of the Senate | Vice President |
| 2 | Chair of the Mazhilis | Chair of the Kurultai |
| 3 | Prime Minister | Prime Minister |

## What Still Depends on the Next Step
- The norm itself starts operating together with the Constitution on **July 1, 2026**.
- The actual appointment of the Vice President depends on the formation of the Kurultai and its consent to the nominee.
- Organisational and procedural details may be clarified in later official publications and related acts.

## Source
Official publication announcing the signing of the law – Akorda website, June 5, 2026.

Constitutional Laws

law-on-president faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

President and Vice President

Official constitutional documents

Summary: The constitutional model is in force; the Vice President provision becomes operational after the Kurultai is formed.

Track formation of the Kurultai and the official decision on a Vice President nominee.


Question: When will the Vice President appear and how is the office filled?

When will the Vice President appear and how is the office filled? The Vice President is appointed by the President with the Kurultai’s consent. The first appointment can happen only after the first session of the elected Kurultai; the transitional article allows up to two months after that session. ## Why This New Office Exists
The Vice President is introduced to support **continuity of power** and **coordination between branches of government**.

## Candidate Requirements
Under the new model, the candidate must:
- be a **citizen of Kazakhstan by birth**
- be **at least 40 years old**
- have **fluent command of the state language**
- hold a **higher education degree**
- have lived in Kazakhstan for **at least 15 years**
- not be a deputy, not belong to a political party, and not conduct business

## How the Appointment Works
1. The **President nominates** a candidate
2. The **Kurultai approves** the nomination by majority vote

## What Happens in a Force-Majeure Situation
If presidential powers end early, the Vice President temporarily acts as President.
The Kurultai must then call **extraordinary elections within 7 days**.

## When the First Appointment Is Expected
A real appointment becomes possible only **after the first session of the elected Kurultai**. Under the Constitution’s transitional article, the first appointment must be made **within two months after that first session**.

Kurultai Elections

vice-president-new-institution faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections

Vice President

Vice President

Vice President

Official constitutional documents


Question: What We Already Know About the 2026 Kurultai Elections

Kurultai Elections 2026: What Is Already Known 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. ## In Brief
- The Constitution entered into force on **July 1, 2026**.
- On **July 1, 2026**, the **presidential decree** calling the first Kurultai elections was signed.
- The voting date is **August 23, 2026**.

## What Is Already Known about the Kurultai
- It is a **unicameral** supreme representative body.
- It will consist of **145 deputies**.
- Its basis is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.
- Deputies will serve **5-year** terms.

## Current Campaign Stage
- Nomination closed on **July 13** with lists submitted by **seven political parties**.
- Party-list registration continues until **18:00 on July 23**.
- Campaigning starts after 18:00 on July 23 and ends at 00:00 on August 22.
- Voters can check the electoral register from **August 7**; absentee certificates are issued from August 7 until 18:00 on August 22.

## Timeline
- **March 15, 2026** – referendum on the new Constitution
- **June 5, 2026** – laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council are signed
- **July 1, 2026** – Constitution entered into force
- **August 23, 2026** – Kurultai deputy elections
- **August 7, 2026** – voter-list inspection begins

## Why This Matters
This page separates facts that are already fixed from the next procedures of the election campaign. That makes it easier to track the reform without confusing signed laws with the practical election calendar.

Current Focus

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Kurultai


Question: When did the new constitutional laws take effect?

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. ## Three Statuses That Matter

### 1. Already Signed
- On **June 5, 2026**, the constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were signed and published.
- The core rules for these institutions are already fixed in official texts.

### 2. Fixed and Already in Force
- On **July 1, 2026**, the Constitution itself entered into force.
- From that date, the new constitutional guarantees begin to operate and the main institutional framework changes.

### 3. Still Requiring the Next Act or Organisational Step
- On **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the decree calling Kurultai elections.
- Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.
- The appointment of the Vice President and the full start of parliamentary procedures depend on the formation of the Kurultai.
- The law on the Kazakhstan People's Council is already in force and its Secretariat was created on July 2. Formation of its membership and the first session require further official decisions.

## What Happens to Older Laws
Laws that do not contradict the new Constitution continue to apply until updated. Provisions that must be aligned are revised through the ordinary legal and organisational process, without creating a legal vacuum.

Current Focus

when-new-laws-take-effect faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Official Publication of Acts

Entry into Force of Laws

Entry into Force of the Constitution

Application of Existing Acts


Question: What Changed on July 1, 2026

What Changed on July 1, 2026 Since July 1, 2026, the Constitution has been in force. New wording on digital rights and enhanced protection upon detention (48 hours instead of 72) now apply. The right to submit appeals continues, while petitions follow a separate process under the Administrative Procedural Code. ## July 1, 2026: Concrete Changes

Since July 1, 2026, Kazakhstan's new Constitution has been fully in force. Here is what has already changed for every citizen.

### Guarantees with New Constitutional Wording

**Digital rights (for the first time at the constitutional level):**
- Personal-data protection received explicit constitutional wording. The specific legal grounds for processing, deletion, and remedies remain governed by legislation.
- Confidentiality of digital communications expressly covers messenger correspondence and email. Confidentiality of correspondence and other communications was also protected by the previous Constitution.
- Biometric data fall under personal-data legislation but are not named separately in the Constitution. Whether information must be removed depends on legislation and the facts of a case; the Constitution does not itself create an unlimited “right to be forgotten.”

**Rights upon detention:**
- Maximum detention period without a court decision: **48 hours** (previously 72 hours).
- The duty to explain rights upon detention received explicit constitutional status. Procedural rights to an explanation and legal counsel existed before 2026.
- Right of immediate access to a lawyer from the moment of detention.
- Right to notify relatives of detention.

**Appeals and petitions:**
- Article 35 preserves the right to submit individual and collective appeals. Petitions are governed by Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code; the Constitution does not establish a separate petition mechanism for the Kurultai or give citizens a direct right of legislative initiative.

**Guarantees that Continue:**
- The presumption of innocence, access to counsel, and the right of peaceful assembly were already protected by the previous Constitution and legislation. They should not be presented as rights first created on July 1, 2026.

### Constitutional Court

Citizens may apply to the Constitutional Court to challenge a regulatory legal act that directly affects their constitutional rights. This mechanism has operated since **January 1, 2023**; the 2026 Constitution and updated law preserve and clarify it.

### What Does Not Change Immediately

- The Kurultai is formed after the election scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.
- The Vice President is appointed after the first session of the elected Kurultai; the transitional article allows up to two months after that session for the first appointment.
- The law on the Kazakhstan People's Council is in force and its Secretariat was created on July 2; its membership and first session require separate official decisions.

### 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 |
| Explanation of rights upon detention | Already provided by procedural law | Receives explicit constitutional status |
| Correspondence and private life | Constitutional protection already existed | Personal data and the use of digital technologies are named expressly |
| Citizen application to the Court | Mechanism in force since January 1, 2023 | Mechanism preserved and clarified |
| Appeals and petitions | General right of appeal already existed | The right of appeal continues; petitions remain governed by the Administrative Procedural Code |
| Peaceful assembly and presumption of innocence | Constitutional guarantees already existed | Guarantees continue in the new text | - 48 hours instead of 72: reduction of maximum detention without court order
- Explanation of rights upon detention receives explicit constitutional status
- Digital rights: personal data and communications using digital technologies are named expressly; biometric data remain regulated by statute
- Citizen applications to the Constitutional Court have been available since January 1, 2023
- The right of appeal continues; petitions are governed by Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code, not by a separate constitutional mechanism

Current Focus

transition-what-changes-july faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Constitutional Foundations

Human Rights

Kurultai

Constitutional Court

Official constitutional documents

Citizens' access to the Constitutional Court has operated since 1 January 2023.

From July 1, 2026, the Constitution expressly names personal data and the use of digital technologies; biometric data are not named separately, while general privacy and communications protections existed before then.

Summary: The new Constitution is in force; its new rights language applies, while access to the Constitutional Court continues under the existing procedure.

Track implementation practice and the acts that bring new institutions into operation.


Question: How will the Kurultai be formed?

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 is the Kurultai
Under the 2026 Constitution, the Kurultai is the unicameral supreme representative body of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It replaces the former bicameral system of the Mazhilis and Senate and becomes the single parliamentary centre.

## How it is formed
- **145 deputies** are elected for **5 years**.
- The legal model was fixed in the law on the Kurultai signed on **June 5, 2026**.
- The constitutional framework describes proportional representation in a **single nationwide constituency**.

## When it starts working
- The transition period runs until **July 1, 2026**.
- On **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the **decree calling the elections**.
- The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.
- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026 under Article 95 of the Constitution.

## What this changes
- Key parliamentary procedures are concentrated in one body.
- The Kurultai gives consent to a number of major appointments, including the appointment of the Vice President.
- Once it is formed, the next institutional cycle of the new Constitution begins.

Current Focus

kurultai-how-formed faq post_referendum After the Referendum

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai

Kurultai


Question: How will digital rights work in practice?

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. ## What the Constitution Establishes
The new Constitution for the first time at the constitutional level enshrines:
- **Personal data protection** – everyone has the right to protection of their personal data
- **Electronic appeals** – citizens may submit appeals to state bodies electronically (e-mail, eGov, e-Otinish)

## What This Means in Practice
- State bodies must accept electronic appeals on equal terms with paper ones
- Personal data cannot be collected, stored, or transferred without legal grounds
- Citizens can demand deletion or correction of their data

## What Is Needed for Full Implementation
- Updating the personal data law (current version – 2013)
- Subordinate legislation on electronic appeals procedures
- Technical integration: eGov, e-Otinish, e-government
- Adapting departmental regulations

## Timeline
- Constitutional norm takes effect immediately
- Subordinate legislation – expected during 2026–2027
- Until then, the right is exercised through existing channels (eGov, e-Otinish)

## Fact
Kazakhstan is one of the first Central Asian countries to enshrine digital rights at the constitutional level.

Current Focus

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Digital Rights

Freedom of Information


Question: Who Monitors the Integrity of the Vote

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. ## Who stands behind transparency

Trust in the result is the key question of any vote. Here is who monitors the process:

- **Parties** – each registered party sends an observer to every polling station
- **NGOs** – accredited civil society organisations
- **Media** – journalists with accreditation
- **International missions** – OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS, the Turkic Council
- **Foreign observers** – from more than 30 countries

## What observers see

The entire process – from the opening of the station to the counting of the last ballot:
- Opening of ballot boxes – are they empty?
- The voting process – is secrecy of the ballot maintained?
- Counting of ballots – in full view of observers
- Drawing up the protocol – the key document

## The protocol – the main guarantee

The count protocol:
- Is signed by all members of the precinct commission
- **A copy is given to each observer** – this is a legally binding document
- Data are transmitted to the higher commission
- If the final figures diverge from the precinct protocol – that is grounds for verification

## What to do if there is a violation

- The observer files a complaint with the precinct commission **on the spot**
- The complaint is recorded in an act
- The result can be challenged in court
- International missions publish a report with their assessment – this affects Kazakhstan's international reputation - Observers: parties, NGOs, media, international missions from 30+ countries
- OSCE/ODIHR has been invited to observe
- Each observer receives a copy of the count protocol
- Violations are recorded on the spot; results can be challenged in court

Referendum

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Voting Participation

Referendum Disputes

Decision Adoption Conditions


Question: Why It Matters to Adopt the Constitution by Referendum

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. ## Direct legitimacy

The Constitution is the foundation of the state. That is why direct public participation in its adoption or revision carries special democratic weight. A referendum gives the Constitution a level of legitimacy higher than that of an ordinary law.

## Why this matters democratically

Through a referendum:

- citizens directly express that they are the source of power
- the level of public consent becomes more visible
- the legitimacy of reform is strengthened

## Difference from parliamentary adoption

Parliament acts on behalf of the people. In a referendum, the people act directly. For constitutional change, that distinction has both symbolic and legal importance.

## Importance for public trust

If the basic law is approved by direct vote, public acceptance may become stronger as well. This can help later implementation, explanation, and institutional transition.

## Important limitation

A referendum does not automatically guarantee a perfect decision. Its democratic value depends on several conditions:

- access to open information
- a fair procedure
- real conditions for informed choice

## Main idea

A referendum matters because it allows the Constitution to rest on direct public approval rather than on institutional adoption alone. - A referendum gives the Constitution especially strong public legitimacy
- It expresses direct popular sovereignty
- It differs from parliamentary adoption because citizens decide themselves
- Its democratic value depends on openness, fairness, and informed choice

Referendum

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People as Source of Power

Right to Participate in Referendum

Constitutional Referendum


Question: What Question Is on the Ballot

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. ## The text of the question

The wording was approved by Presidential Decree of 11 February 2026:

> "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?"

## Two options

- **"Yes"** – you support the adoption of the new Constitution
- **"No"** – you do not support it

There is no third option. Voting is secret – no one sees your choice.

## Why the question is worded this way

- **Clarity:** one question, two options, no ambiguity
- **Tied to the text:** the date of publication is specified – everyone can find and read the 2026 Constitution before voting
- **Integrity:** voting is on the document as a whole, not on individual articles – standard practice for constitutional referendums worldwide

## Where to read the 2026 Constitution

The text was published on 12 February 2026:
- Newspapers Egemen Qazaqstan and Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
- CEC website – [election.gov.kz](https://www.election.gov.kz)
- Current structured text – [constitution.my](/full-text?lang=en)

The wording of the question cannot be changed after the Decree is published.

→ [Read the full text of the 2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) - One question: "Do you accept the new Constitution...?" – 'Yes' or 'No'
- Tied to a specific text published on 12 February 2026
- Approved by Presidential Decree of 11 February 2026
- Referendum results are published at election.gov.kz; the Constitution in force is available at constitution.my

Referendum

referendum-question-text faq referendum Referendum

People's Power by Referendum

Amending the Constitution by Referendum


Question: What Is Happening and What Comes Next

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. ## Timeline after the vote

| Stage | Timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Official result | Within 7 days | The CEC publishes the final referendum result |
| Transition period | 16 March – 30 June | Key constitutional laws were signed on June 5, and the state prepared the launch of the new institutions |
| Entry into force | **1 July 2026** | The new Constitution entered into force |
| Kurultai elections | **August 23, 2026** | First elections to the 145-seat unicameral Kurultai |
| Next institutional stage | After the election | First Kurultai session and later appointments required by the Constitution |

## What has already happened

- The referendum was held on **15 March 2026**.
- The Constitution was approved by popular vote.
- On **June 5, 2026**, constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were signed and published.

## What Still Has to Be Specified

- The presidential decree calling the first Kurultai elections was signed on July 1, 2026.
- Nomination of party lists closed on **July 13** with lists submitted by seven parties.
- Registration runs until **18:00 on July 23**; campaigning begins after that deadline.
- Voters can check the electoral register from **August 7**; voting is on **August 23**.

## Why the post-vote stage matters

A referendum is not the last step by itself. Legal approval, entry into force, institutional launch, and election scheduling happen in sequence. That is why the period between March 15 and July 1 matters just as much as the vote day itself.

## Main idea

The key question after a referendum is not only who won, but how the approved decision is translated into the legal system. - The official result was 87.15% in favour at 73.12% turnout
- Turnout and support are both assessed
- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026
- The implementation stage after the vote is crucial

Referendum

referendum-after-vote faq referendum Referendum

Adoption by Referendum

Entry into Force

First Kurultai Election


Question: What Is a Referendum

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 a referendum is

The most direct form of democracy. Not a deputy deciding on your behalf – you decide yourself.

**How it works:**
- The state puts a question to a vote
- Every citizen aged 18 and over goes to a polling station
- They vote **'Yes'** or **'No'** – in secret, in person
- The result carries **direct legal force**

## Three conditions for recognition

| Condition | Requirement | What happens if not met |
|---|---|---|
| Turnout | More than 50% of voters | The referendum is deemed not to have taken place |
| Majority | More than 50% of those who voted – 'Yes' | The decision is not adopted |
| Regional threshold | 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions, cities of republican significance, and the capital | The decision is not adopted |

All three conditions must be met simultaneously. If even one is not satisfied – the decision **is not adopted**.

## Legal force

- The result is **binding** across the entire territory of Kazakhstan
- It can only be reversed by **another referendum**
- Neither the President, nor parliament, nor a court can review the result

## Kazakhstan's referendums

| Year | Question | 'Yes' | Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Adoption of the Constitution | 89% | 90% |
| 2022 | 56 amendments to the Constitution | 77% | 68% |
| 2026 | New Constitution | 87.15% | 73.12% | - A referendum is a nationwide vote with direct legal force
- Three conditions: turnout >50%, majority 'Yes', 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions
- The result is binding; it can only be reversed by another referendum
- Kazakhstan's history: 1995 (89% 'Yes'), 2022 (77% 'Yes', 68% turnout), 2026 – 15 March

Referendum

referendum-what-is faq referendum Referendum

Nationwide Referendum

Right to Participate in Referendum

Referendum Validity Conditions


Question: What Questions Can Be Put to a Referendum

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. ## Meaning of a referendum

A referendum is a form of **direct popular voting** on especially important state questions. Its defining feature is that the decision is made not only through elected institutions, but by citizens themselves.

## What kinds of issues may be submitted

A referendum is generally used for matters such as:

- adoption of a Constitution or constitutional amendments
- foundations of the state system
- issues of exceptional nationwide political and legal importance
- long-term institutional changes affecting the whole country

## What is usually not submitted

A referendum is not designed for everyday administrative or technical questions. It should not normally be used for:

- individual administrative acts
- personnel or routine appointments
- current internal decisions of state bodies
- narrow technical regulations

## Why the Constitution is submitted to a referendum

The Constitution is the foundation of the entire legal system. Because of that, adopting or revising it through direct popular approval is considered one of the strongest forms of democratic legitimacy.

## What this means in practice

If an issue is put to a referendum, it usually means that:

- it affects the country as a whole
- it has direct consequences for the political and legal system
- it requires broad public consent

## Main idea

Not every question belongs in a referendum. It is reserved for matters that shape the future framework of the state. - A referendum is direct popular voting on especially important public questions
- It is mainly used for constitutional and nationwide institutional issues
- Routine administrative decisions should not normally be put to referendum
- Constitutional change through referendum carries especially strong legitimacy

Referendum

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Citizen Participation

Presidential Referendum Decision

Constitutional Court Review of Referendum

Constitutional Amendment Initiative

Constitutional Court Opinion


Question: How the Referendum Turnout Threshold Works

How the Referendum Turnout Threshold Works A referendum requires participation above 50%, and the “Yes” option must prevail in at least two thirds of the regions. Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12%, so the participation threshold was met. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year. ## Why turnout matters

A referendum is not simply a contest among those who happened to vote. Because it concerns the whole country, participation itself becomes part of the legitimacy of the result.

That is why a minimum turnout requirement is important. It helps to:

- strengthen the legitimacy of the result
- prevent major state decisions from being made on the basis of very low participation
- show that the outcome reflects meaningful public involvement

## How the threshold works

If the legally required level of turnout is not reached, then:

- voting may still have taken place
- but the legal result may be considered insufficient
- and the proposed decision may fail to take effect

## Why this is especially important for constitutional questions

Constitutional questions should not normally be decided by a tiny and accidental portion of the electorate. A turnout requirement helps ensure that a constitutional decision is backed by broad civic participation.

## Is turnout alone enough

No. Usually, two elements matter:

1. A sufficient number of voters must participate.
2. A sufficient majority must support one option.

So both **participation** and **support** matter.

## Historical and final figures

- 1995 – turnout 90%
- 2022 – turnout **68%**
- 2026 – final turnout was **73.12%**, so the participation threshold was met

## Practical meaning

A turnout threshold encourages citizens not to treat participation as irrelevant. In a referendum, choosing not to participate can affect whether the entire process reaches legal effectiveness. - A referendum requires both turnout above 50% and majority support
- Turnout thresholds strengthen legitimacy
- They prevent fundamental decisions from resting on very low participation
- Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12% – the participation threshold was met
- Participation itself is part of the democratic meaning of a referendum

Referendum

referendum-turnout-threshold faq referendum Referendum

Citizen Participation in Referendum

Turnout and Regional Threshold


Question: What Campaigning Rules Apply Before the Referendum

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. ## Campaigning period

| Period | What is allowed |
|---|---|
| **12 February – 13 March** | Campaigning permitted: 'For', 'Against', calls to vote |
| **14 March (day of silence)** | Campaigning **prohibited** – a day for quiet reflection |
| **15 March (polling day)** | Campaigning **prohibited** |

## Who may campaign

- Citizens – personally and through the media
- Political parties
- Public organisations
- Initiative groups

**Who may not:** foreign nationals, members of electoral commissions, civil servants in the performance of their duties, military personnel, religious organisations.

## What is permitted

- Public events, rallies, debates
- Printed materials – leaflets, posters
- Campaigning in the media and online
- Positions 'For' and 'Against' are on **completely equal terms**

## What is prohibited

- Vote-buying
- Threats and coercion
- Abuse of official position
- Distribution of knowingly false information
- Campaigning on the day of silence and on polling day

A violation is an administrative offence carrying specific penalties.

## The day of silence – why it exists

14 March is the day when you make your decision without pressure. No campaigning: not in the media, not on social networks, not on the street. This is standard international practice. - Campaigning: 12 February – 13 March; 'For' and 'Against' on equal terms
- Day of silence: 14 March – campaigning prohibited
- Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position
- The rules apply online – violations are punishable

Referendum

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Freedom of Information

Peaceful Assembly

Referendum Participation


Question: When the New Constitution Entered Into Force

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. ## Key dates

| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Referendum | **15 March 2026** |
| Official result announced by the CEC | By **22 March 2026** |
| Transitional period | 16 March – 30 June |
| Entry into force | **1 July 2026** |
| Elections to the Kurultai | August 23, 2026 |

## What happens during the transitional period

- The 1995 Constitution **remains in force** until 1 July
- The Mazhilis and Senate **continue their work**
- The Government, courts, and Constitutional Court – **without interruption**
- Key constitutional laws for the new institutions were already signed on June 5
- Preparations are underway for the decree and calendar of Kurultai elections (145 deputies elected by proportional representation)

## What happens on 1 July

- The new Constitution entered into force
- The 1995 Constitution ceased to have effect
- Existing acts apply only insofar as they do not contradict the new Constitution; state bodies must align them without a fixed one-year deadline in the Constitution
- The Parliament formed under the 1995 Constitution ceased its powers

## If the vote is 'No' or turnout is below 50%

Nothing enters into force. The 1995 Constitution remains. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year.

The date of 1 July is fixed in the new Constitution. The transitional period is not a vacuum but a standard legal mechanism.

→ [Full text of the 2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution (previous)](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - Entry into force – 1 July 2026 after the referendum of 15 March 2026
- Transitional period – 3.5 months; all institutions operate without interruption
- Key constitutional laws were signed on 5 June 2026
- Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026
- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026; until the Kurultai election, the legal system operates under the Constitution's transitional provisions

Practical

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Entry into Force

Transitional Provisions

Alignment of Legislation


Question: Where to Ask Questions

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. ## What people usually ask about

Citizens may have practical questions such as:

- where to read the full text
- how the referendum procedure works
- what a particular constitutional article means
- what rights they have in a specific situation
- which institution is responsible for what

## Where to look first

Useful sources usually include:

- official referendum information resources
- official election-related platforms
- legal-information portals
- eGov and public-service platforms
- official materials of relevant state institutions

## When information is not enough

If the issue is not just informational but concerns an actual legal problem, it may be necessary to contact:

- a lawyer
- a court
- the prosecution system
- the Ombudsman
- another competent rights-protection institution

## Why official channels matter

Random commentary online may be fast, but it is often incomplete or wrong. On legal issues, the cost of misunderstanding can be high.

## Main idea

For general understanding, use official information sources. For rights violations or legal disputes, use formal legal-protection channels. - Official portals and legal-information resources are the safest first source
- Rights problems may require courts, lawyers, prosecution bodies, or the Ombudsman
- Informational questions and legal disputes should be distinguished
- Official channels reduce the risk of serious misunderstanding

Practical

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Rights Protection

Right to Petition

Constitutional Court

Prosecutor's Office

Human Rights Commissioner

Advocacy and Legal Assistance

Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions