{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:full-text:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"full-text","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/full-text?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/full-text.md?lang=en","question":"Full Text of the New Constitution","answer_summary":"Here you can access the full text of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan online in Kazakh and Russian, along with official publications and comparative materials.","content_text":"Full Text of the New Constitution Here you can access the full text of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan online in Kazakh and Russian, along with official publications and comparative materials. ## Official Text of the Constitution\n\nThe Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, adopted at the national referendum on March 15, 2026.\n\n**Available versions and materials:**\n\n- [2026 Constitution in Kazakh](/full-text?lang=kk) – online reading version with navigation\n- [2026 Constitution in Russian](/full-text?lang=ru) – Russian online version\n- [Compare with the 1995 Constitution](/compare?lang=en) – key differences by topic\n- [Official publication on Gov.kz](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-minsk/documents/details/967814?lang=ru) – external official source\n\n## Document Structure\n\nThe Constitution consists of a **preamble** and **11 sections**:\n\n1. **General Provisions** – form of government, territory, state symbols, language\n2. **The Individual and Citizen** – rights, freedoms, obligations\n3. **The President** – status, powers, election procedure\n4. **The Kurultai** – composition, powers, formation procedure\n5. **The Government** – structure, functions\n6. **The Constitutional Court** – status, powers\n7. **Courts and Justice** – how the judicial system is organized\n8. **Local Government** – akimats and maslikhats\n9. **Public Finance** – core rules of public finance\n10. **Supremacy of the Constitution** – how the Basic Law prevails over other acts\n11. **Transitional Provisions** – entry into force and transition to the new system\n\n## How to Read the Constitution\n\n**For a quick overview:**\n\n- Read the **preamble** – it outlines the state's core values\n- Study **Section 2 (The Individual and Citizen)** – your rights and freedoms\n- Review **Sections 3–5** – how power is structured\n\n**For in-depth study:**\n\n- Use the **comparison table** – it shows changes relative to the current Constitution\n- Pay attention to **commentaries** – they explain the meaning of specific norms\n\n## Official Sources\n\n- **Official referendum website:** referendum.gov.kz\n- **Constitutional Court of RK:** ksrk.gov.kz\n- **Presidential Administration of RK:** akorda.kz - Full text available online in Kazakh and Russian\n- 11 sections: from constitutional fundamentals to transitional provisions\n- Comparison table – changes relative to the current Constitution\n- Explanatory materials – for understanding the reform logic","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"full-text faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":2,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-2"},{"number":3,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-3"},{"number":4,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":6,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-6"},{"number":7,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-7"},{"number":8,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-8"},{"number":9,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-9"},{"number":10,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-10"},{"number":11,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-11"},{"number":12,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":13,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-13"},{"number":14,"title":"Full Constitutional 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Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-68"},{"number":69,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-69"},{"number":70,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":71,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-71"},{"number":72,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":73,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":74,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-74"},{"number":75,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-75"},{"number":76,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-76"},{"number":77,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-77"},{"number":78,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-78"},{"number":79,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-79"},{"number":80,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-80"},{"number":81,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-81"},{"number":82,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-82"},{"number":83,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-83"},{"number":84,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-84"},{"number":85,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-85"},{"number":86,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-86"},{"number":87,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":88,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-88"},{"number":89,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-89"},{"number":90,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"},{"number":91,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"},{"number":92,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":93,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-93"},{"number":94,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Full Constitutional Text","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:how-developed:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"how-developed","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/how-developed?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/how-developed.md?lang=en","question":"How the New Constitution Was Developed","answer_summary":"The new Constitution was created openly, with the participation of experts, citizens, and representatives of all regions. The process took six months – from September 2025 to February 2026 – and included collecting proposals, expert review, public discussions, and coordination.","content_text":"How the New Constitution Was Developed The new Constitution was created openly, with the participation of experts, citizens, and representatives of all regions. The process took six months – from September 2025 to February 2026 – and included collecting proposals, expert review, public discussions, and coordination. ## Development Timeline\n\n**Stage 1: Launching the Process (September 2025)**\n\nHead of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined the need for constitutional reform in his Address to the Nation of Kazakhstan. The key focus – transition to a unicameral parliament and strengthening mechanisms of popular participation.\n\n**Stage 2: Forming the Working Group (October 2025)**\n\nAn interdepartmental Working Group on parliamentary reform was created. Its members included:\n\n- Constitutional lawyers\n- Deputies of the current Parliament (all parties)\n- Business community representatives\n- Human rights advocates and NGO activists\n- Public administration experts\n- Regional representatives\n\n**Stage 3: Collecting Citizen Proposals (October 2025 – January 2026)**\n\nOnline platforms for proposals were launched:\n\n- **e-Otinish** – official appeals portal\n- **eGov** – state services portal\n\nAny citizen could submit their proposal. **Over 2,000 proposals** were received. Each was reviewed by the working group.\n\n**Stage 4: Constitutional Commission Work (January–February 2026)**\n\nThe Constitutional Commission (130+ members) was formed under the chairmanship of **Elvira Azimova** (Chair of the Constitutional Court).\n\nAll commission sessions were held in an **open format with online broadcast**. Topics discussed:\n\n- Power structure\n- Checks and balances mechanisms\n- Citizens' rights (including digital)\n- Electoral system\n- Popular participation institutions\n\n**Stage 5: Publication and Final Discussion (February 2026)**\n\nThe new Constitution was published for public review. Events held:\n\n- Expert roundtables\n- Regional discussions\n- Media briefings\n\n**Stage 6: Referendum (March 15, 2026)**\n\nCitizens made the decision on March 15, 2026: voting took place on March 15, 2026.\n\n## Who Participated in Development\n\n**Constitutional Commission members (130+):**\n\n- **Lawyers** – constitutionalists, judges, prosecutors\n- **Parliamentarians** – deputies from all factions (Amanat, Auyl, QHP, Respublika, OSDP)\n- **Business** – representatives of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs \"Atameken\"\n- **Civil society** – NGOs, human rights advocates, activists\n- **Regions** – representatives of all oblasts and cities of republican significance\n- **Academia** – scholars, legal researchers\n- **Media** – journalists, editors\n- **Culture** – figures from culture and arts\n\n**Gender balance:** maintained (at least 30% women).\n\n**Regional balance:** all regions of Kazakhstan represented.\n\n## Process Transparency\n\n1. **All sessions broadcast live** – on official portals and YouTube\n2. **Materials published** – minutes, transcripts, proposals (anonymized)\n3. **Open communication channel** – citizens could ask questions via eGov\n4. **Media coverage** – daily briefings, interviews with commission members - Six months of work – September 2025 to February 2026\n- 130+ experts – lawyers, deputies, business, NGOs, regions\n- 2,000+ citizen proposals – via e-Otinish and eGov\n- All sessions open – live broadcasts, access to materials","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"how-developed faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Amendments by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":93,"title":"Constitutional Court Opinion","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-93"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-how-to-read-simple:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-how-to-read-simple","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-how-to-read-simple?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-how-to-read-simple.md?lang=en","question":"How to Read the Constitution","answer_summary":"It's better to read the Constitution in blocks rather than sequentially: first rights and freedoms, then the power structure and amendment procedure.","content_text":"How to Read the Constitution It's better to read the Constitution in blocks rather than sequentially: first rights and freedoms, then the power structure and amendment procedure. It's easier to approach the Constitution not as a \"novel from first to last page\" but as a set of interconnected blocks.\n\nA practical reading order might be:\n\n1. The section on human rights and freedoms – to understand what exactly is protected.\n2. The section on the structure of power – who is responsible for what.\n3. The section on local self-government and citizen participation.\n4. The section on the procedure for amending the Constitution.\n\n## Tips for First-Time Readers\n\n- **Don't be intimidated by official terminology** – most terms are straightforward: \"legislative = law-making,\" \"executive = implementing.\"\n- **Read with highlights** – mark articles that matter to you.\n- **Compare** – the \"before/after\" table shows what's changing.\n\n## Where to Read\n\n- **constitution.my** – current text and a structured comparison\n- **constitution.my** – [Constitution text](/full-text?lang=en) and [the verified Russian text of the 1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=ru)\n- **election.gov.kz** – Central Election Commission website\n- **\"Egemen Qazaqstan\" newspaper** – published text - Read in blocks – not everything at once\n- Comparison table – the best tool to see changes\n- Official referendum results – election.gov.kz","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"constitution-how-to-read-simple faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Direct Effect and Supremacy","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":87,"title":"Local Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:why-update:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"why-update","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/why-update?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/why-update.md?lang=en","question":"Why We Are Updating the Constitution","answer_summary":"The 1995 Constitution laid the foundations of an independent state. But over 30 years, the economy, technology, public expectations, and governance institutions have changed. Updating the Constitution is not abandoning previous values but aligning the legal system with the reality of 2026.","content_text":"Why We Are Updating the Constitution The 1995 Constitution laid the foundations of an independent state. But over 30 years, the economy, technology, public expectations, and governance institutions have changed. Updating the Constitution is not abandoning previous values but aligning the legal system with the reality of 2026. ## What Changed in 30 Years\n\n**1. Digital Reality**\n\nIn 1995, the internet was rare. Today, the digital space is part of everyday life. New challenges have emerged:\n\n- Personal data protection\n- Privacy of digital communications\n- Statutory routes to request removal of information in defined cases\n- Cybersecurity\n\nThe previous Constitution did not regulate these issues – they simply did not exist.\n\n**2. Balance of Powers**\n\nThe experience of a bicameral parliament showed that coordination between two chambers increased the time of the legislative process. The transition to the unicameral Kurultai:\n\n- Optimizes the legislative process while maintaining representation\n- Strengthens personal accountability of deputies (all decisions are transparent and personalized)\n- Expands parliamentary powers (from 13 to 23 constitutional functions)\n\n**3. Citizen Participation**\n\nPublic demand for involvement has grown. People want not just to \"vote once every 5 years\" but to participate in discussing laws, oversee the government, and influence decisions. The new Constitution institutionalizes these mechanisms:\n\n- Kazakhstan People's Council (Khalyq Keñesi) – a permanent platform for dialogue\n- The right to individual and collective appeals; a separate petition process is governed by the Administrative Procedural Code\n- Transparent public oversight procedures\n\n**4. Legal Guarantees**\n\nOver 30 years, international human rights standards have evolved. The new Constitution establishes:\n\n- **Rights explanation upon detention** – authorities must explain the grounds for restricting liberty and the person’s rights\n- Reduction of detention without court from **72 to 48 hours**\n- Presumption of innocence as a **general constitutional principle** (not just criminal)\n- Strengthened protection of honor and dignity\n\n## What Does NOT Change\n\nIt's important to understand: this is not a \"new Constitution from scratch.\" This is an **update of the existing one**. Preserved:\n\n- **Presidential form of government** – the President remains the head of state\n- **Unitary state** – Kazakhstan is a single state, not a federation\n- **Popular sovereignty** – citizens are the source of power\n- **Fundamental rights and freedoms** – freedom of speech, assembly, religion, property\n\n## Why Now\n\nConstitutional reform is the result of a systematic process:\n\n- **September 2025:** The Head of State announced the need for parliamentary reform in his Address\n- **October 2025:** Working Group created (130+ experts: lawyers, business, NGOs, parliamentary parties)\n- **October–February:** Open discussion via e-Otinish and eGov portals (2,000+ proposals)\n- **February 2026:** Constitutional Commission completed work, text published\n- **March 2026:** The referendum took place on March 15, 2026 – 87.15% voted in favour.\n\n→ [Compare constitutions: 1995 vs 2026](/compare?lang=en) · [Full text of the Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) - 30 years = new reality: digitalization, new rights, changed institutions\n- Not rewriting but updating: core values preserved\n- Open process: 2,000+ citizen proposals, 130+ experts, public sessions\n- The decision is yours: the referendum took place on March 15, 2026","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"why-update faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Applicable Law","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transition to New Institutions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Legislation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-levels-of-law:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-levels-of-law","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-levels-of-law?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-levels-of-law.md?lang=en","question":"What Types of Laws Exist and How They Relate to Each Other","answer_summary":"The hierarchy runs: Constitution → constitutional laws → laws → presidential decrees → government resolutions → ministerial orders. Any lower-ranking act that contradicts a higher-ranking one has no legal force. The Constitution sits at the top.","content_text":"What Types of Laws Exist and How They Relate to Each Other The hierarchy runs: Constitution → constitutional laws → laws → presidential decrees → government resolutions → ministerial orders. Any lower-ranking act that contradicts a higher-ranking one has no legal force. The Constitution sits at the top. Not all laws are equal. There is a clear hierarchy in Kazakhstan's legal system – and the Constitution stands at its peak.\n\n## Hierarchy of legal acts\n\n| Level | What it is | Who adopts it |\n|---|---|---|\n| 1. Constitution | The fundamental law | The people (referendum) |\n| 2. Constitutional laws | Laws on matters explicitly named in the Constitution | Kurultai (2/3 majority) |\n| 3. Laws | The main body of legislation | Kurultai (simple majority) |\n| 4. Presidential decrees | Normative acts of the head of state | President |\n| 5. Government resolutions | Acts of the executive | Government |\n| 6. Ministerial orders | Departmental acts | Ministers |\n| 7. Maslikhat decisions | Local normative acts | Maslikhats |\n\n## The priority rule\n\nIf an act at a lower level contradicts one at a higher level, **the higher-ranking act prevails**:\n\n- A ministerial order cannot contradict a law.\n- A law cannot contradict a constitutional law.\n- Nothing can contradict the Constitution.\n\n## Why this matters in practice\n\nSuppose a local official cites a departmental order and denies you a right guaranteed by the Constitution. That order **has no legal force**. You can:\n\n- challenge it in court;\n- report it to the Prosecutor's Office;\n- apply to the Constitutional Court if the problem lies with the law itself.\n\n## Constitutional laws – a special tier\n\nConstitutional laws are adopted on matters explicitly listed in the Constitution: on the President, the Kurultai, the courts, and referendums. Their adoption requires a **qualified majority** – at least 2/3 of deputies. They are harder to amend than ordinary laws. - The Constitution is the supreme act, at the top of the hierarchy\n- A lower-ranking act that contradicts a higher-ranking one has no legal force\n- Constitutional laws require a 2/3 majority in the Kurultai\n- The hierarchy is a practical tool for defending your rights","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"constitution-levels-of-law faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Applicable Law and Constitutional Supremacy","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":60,"title":"Subjects of Legislative Regulation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Laws and Constitutional Laws","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":90,"title":"Local Normative Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:what-is-constitution:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"what-is-constitution","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/what-is-constitution?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/what-is-constitution.md?lang=en","question":"What Is the Constitution","answer_summary":"The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state that defines the structure of power, citizens' rights, and the basic rules of society. It is not a political program or ideological manifesto but the legal foundation upon which all other laws are built. The Constitution establishes the \"rules of the game\" for everyone – from the president to ordinary citizens.","content_text":"What Is the Constitution The Constitution is the fundamental law of the state that defines the structure of power, citizens' rights, and the basic rules of society. It is not a political program or ideological manifesto but the legal foundation upon which all other laws are built. The Constitution establishes the \"rules of the game\" for everyone – from the president to ordinary citizens. ## Why We Need a Constitution\n\nThe Constitution serves three key functions:\n\n1. **Limits state power.** The Constitution prevents the government from acting arbitrarily – it establishes clear boundaries for every body's authority and mechanisms of checks and balances.\n\n2. **Guarantees citizens' rights.** Fundamental rights – to life, freedom of speech, property, fair trial – are enshrined in the Constitution and protected from changes by ordinary laws.\n\n3. **Establishes rules of interaction between institutions.** Who is elected and how, how laws are adopted, who is responsible for what – all of this is written in the Constitution.\n\n## How the Constitution Differs from Ordinary Laws\n\nThe Constitution has **supreme legal force**:\n\n- Any law contradicting the Constitution is invalid.\n- The Constitution can only be changed through a referendum – direct voting by citizens.\n- The Constitution is reviewed by a separate body – the Constitutional Court.\n\nOrdinary laws elaborate on constitutional norms but cannot override or contradict them.\n\n## The Constitution Is a Living Document\n\nThe Constitution is not written once and forever. It evolves with society. The economy changes, new technologies emerge (internet, digital rights), new challenges arise (cybersecurity, data protection) – and the Constitution must respond to these changes.\n\nAt the same time, fundamental principles remain stable:\n\n- Popular sovereignty\n- Separation of powers\n- Human rights guarantees\n- Territorial integrity\n\nUpdating the Constitution is not \"rewriting from scratch\" but adjusting institutions to new conditions while preserving fundamental values. - Constitution = rules of the game for all members of society\n- Supreme legal force – no law can contradict it\n- Changed only through referendum – citizens decide\n- Protects rights and limits power simultaneously","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"what-is-constitution faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"State Foundations and Highest Values","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Separation of Powers","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Supremacy of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Protection of Human Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:key-changes:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"key-changes","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/key-changes?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/key-changes.md?lang=en","question":"Key Changes in the New Constitution","answer_summary":"The new Constitution preserves the foundations of statehood but changes the architecture of power and strengthens citizens' rights. Key changes: transition to a unicameral parliament, introduction of the Vice President, expansion of digital rights, and strengthened mechanisms of popular oversight.","content_text":"Key Changes in the New Constitution The new Constitution preserves the foundations of statehood but changes the architecture of power and strengthens citizens' rights. Key changes: transition to a unicameral parliament, introduction of the Vice President, expansion of digital rights, and strengthened mechanisms of popular oversight. ## 1. SYSTEM OF POWER: From Bicameral Parliament to Kurultai\n\n**Before:**\n\n- Parliament = Senate (49 deputies) + Mazhilis (98 deputies)\n- Coordination between two chambers\n\n**Now:**\n\n- **Kurultai** – unicameral supreme representative body\n- **145 deputies** (instead of 147 in two chambers)\n- **Proportional system** at the national level (party lists)\n- **Expanded powers:** from 13 to 23 constitutionally enshrined functions\n\n**Why:**\n\n- Optimizing the legislative process (one chamber – one process)\n- Personal accountability of every deputy (transparent voting)\n- Strengthening parliament's role in checks and balances\n\n## 2. VICE PRESIDENT: A New Institution of Continuity\n\n**What is introduced:**\n\n- The position of **Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan**\n\n**How appointed:**\n\n- President appoints with the **consent of Kurultai** (institutional filter)\n\n**Functions:**\n\n- Coordinating government work on the President's behalf\n- Participating in Government and Kurultai sessions\n- In case of early termination of the President's powers, temporarily serves as acting President until new elections are held within 60 days\n\n## 3. CITIZENS' RIGHTS: Digital Rights and Procedural Guarantees\n\n**a) Digital rights (new block):**\n\n- Right to personal data protection\n- Privacy of digital communications (email, messengers)\n- Statutory routes to request removal of information in defined cases\n\n**b) Rights upon detention:**\n\n- Detention without court: **72 → 48 hours**\n- **Rights explanation upon detention** – authorities must inform a detained person of the grounds and relevant rights\n- Mandatory right to a lawyer from the moment of detention\n\n**c) Presumption of innocence:**\n\n- Enshrined as a **general constitutional principle** (not just criminal proceedings)\n\n**d) Peaceful assemblies:**\n\n- Right to peaceful assemblies without weapons is guaranteed\n\n## 4. POPULAR PARTICIPATION: Institutionalizing Dialogue\n\n**Kazakhstan People's Council (Khalyq Keñesi):**\n\n- Consultative-advisory body under the President\n- Includes representatives of civil society, NGOs, experts, regions\n- Discusses draft laws, development strategies, social issues\n\n**Appeals and petitions:**\n\n- The Constitution preserves the right to individual and collective appeals\n- Supported petitions are reviewed by the competent authorities under the Administrative Procedural Code; this is not direct citizen legislative initiative\n\n## 5. WHAT DOES NOT CHANGE\n\nPreserved:\n\n- **President** – head of state, 7-year term, single term, party neutrality\n- **Presidential form of government** – President forms the Government\n- **Unitary state** – not a federation\n- **Popular sovereignty** – citizens are the source of power\n- **Fundamental rights** – freedom of speech, assembly, religion, property\n\n## \"Before and After\" Table\n\n| Item | 1995 Constitution | 2026 Constitution |\n|---|---|---|\n| Parliament | Senate (49) + Mazhilis (98) | Kurultai (145) |\n| Parliamentary powers | 13 functions | 23 functions |\n| Vice President | No | Yes (with Kurultai consent) |\n| Detention period | 72 hours | 48 hours |\n| Digital rights | Not regulated | Data protection, communication privacy |\n| People's Council | Informal status | Constitutional status |\n| President | 7 years, single term | 7 years, single term (unchanged) |\n\n→ [Full text of the 2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - Kurultai replaces Senate and Mazhilis – optimizing legislative process\n- Vice President – continuity + institutional oversight\n- Digital rights – data and privacy protection\n- 48 hours instead of 72 – strengthened procedural guarantees\n- People's Council – permanent dialogue institution","section":{"code":"about","title":"About the Constitution"},"keywords":"key-changes faq about About the Constitution","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":87,"title":"Local Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Provisions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-limits:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-limits","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-limits?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-limits.md?lang=en","question":"Can Rights and Freedoms Be Limited","answer_summary":"Rights may be limited only by law and only to the extent necessary for the aims in Article 41. Political restrictions are prohibited, and the rights in Articles 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, and 25 may not be limited in any circumstances.","content_text":"Can Rights and Freedoms Be Limited Rights may be limited only by law and only to the extent necessary for the aims in Article 41. Political restrictions are prohibited, and the rights in Articles 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, and 25 may not be limited in any circumstances. ## Core rule\n\nArticle 41 permits limits on rights only **by law** and only to the extent necessary to protect the constitutional order, the rights and freedoms of others, national security, public order, public health, and public morality.\n\nThis is not permission to limit rights for administrative convenience. In each case, there should be a legal basis, a constitutionally listed aim, and a clear link between the measure and that aim. Restrictions for political motives are expressly prohibited.\n\n## Questions to ask in a concrete case\n\n1. **Who imposed the restriction and under which law?**\n2. **Which Article 41 aim does it pursue?**\n3. **Is the measure broader than necessary for that aim?**\n4. **What is the route and deadline for challenge?**\n\nA law may regulate peaceful assemblies or introduce sanitary measures. But calling a measure “security” does not by itself make it constitutional: its content, necessity, and scope can be challenged.\n\n## Rights that cannot be limited\n\nThe Constitution gives an exact list. Rights and freedoms in Articles **12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 25** may not be limited in any circumstances.\n\nThese include legal personality and judicial protection, protection of citizens abroad, equality and non-discrimination, the right to life, dignity and freedom from torture, the choice of nationality and use of a native language, and freedom of conscience. Read the relevant article for the precise scope: protection covers its full text, not only a short label.\n\n## How a restriction is reviewed\n\nAn ordinary court reviews the legality of a decision or action in a specific case. If a normative act that must be applied infringes constitutional rights, the court must suspend proceedings and refer the act to the Constitutional Court under Article 79. A citizen may also apply to the Constitutional Court when the admissibility conditions in the constitutional law are met. - Article 41 permits limits only by law and for its listed aims\n- Restrictions for political motives are prohibited\n- Articles 12, 14, 16, 17, 20, 22, 25 cannot be limited in any circumstances\n- Judicial and constitutional review are different routes with different requirements and deadlines","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-limits faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":41,"title":"Limits on Rights Restrictions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-41"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-direct-effect:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-direct-effect","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-direct-effect?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-direct-effect.md?lang=en","question":"What Does the 'Direct Effect' of the Constitution Mean","answer_summary":"Direct effect allows a person to invoke a constitutional provision, but it does not dispense with evidence, time limits, procedure or requirements of special legislation. In a concrete dispute, read the constitutional text with the applicable procedure.","content_text":"What Does the 'Direct Effect' of the Constitution Mean Direct effect allows a person to invoke a constitutional provision, but it does not dispense with evidence, time limits, procedure or requirements of special legislation. In a concrete dispute, read the constitutional text with the applicable procedure. ## What direct effect means\n\nA constitutional provision may be cited directly in a claim, complaint or legal argument. That citation does not replace proof of the facts, compliance with time limits, or the procedure and requirements set by special legislation.\n\n## A practical way to use it\n\n1. Identify the constitutional guarantee relevant to the situation.\n2. Preserve decisions, correspondence, records and dates that support the facts.\n3. Check the applicable procedure and any requirements in special legislation.\n4. Connect the specific constitutional article to the facts in the application or complaint.\n\nA constitutional provision can be an important argument in matters involving expression, privacy or judicial protection. The outcome still depends on the evidence, the applicable law and the decision of the competent body.\n\n## Constitutional review\n\nThe route to the Constitutional Court and admissibility requirements are established by law. Constitutional review does not replace an ordinary dispute, appeal or other procedural route. For a concrete legal problem, read the official acts and seek qualified advice. - Direct effect permits a direct reference to a constitutional provision\n- Evidence, time limits and procedural requirements still apply\n- The applicable special law and competent body matter in each case\n- Constitutional review does not replace ordinary remedies","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"constitution-direct-effect faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Direct Effect of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Judicial Protection of Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":79,"title":"Judicial Referral to the Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-79"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-obligations:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-obligations","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-obligations?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-obligations.md?lang=en","question":"What Duties Citizens Have Under the Constitution","answer_summary":"The Constitution establishes both rights and citizens’ duties. Duties are not the price of having rights: their scope, performance and consequences are determined by the Constitution and special laws.","content_text":"What Duties Citizens Have Under the Constitution The Constitution establishes both rights and citizens’ duties. Duties are not the price of having rights: their scope, performance and consequences are determined by the Constitution and special laws. ## Rights and duties coexist\n\nThe Constitution protects human rights and also establishes citizens’ duties. Failure to perform one duty does not remove another constitutional right: any consequence must be assessed separately under the law and the applicable procedure.\n\n## Core duties\n\n- observe the Constitution and laws;\n- pay taxes and other charges established by law;\n- defend the Republic as provided by law;\n- care for children and incapacitated parents;\n- protect nature and respect the rights and freedoms of others.\n\n## What matters in a concrete case\n\nTax obligations, military service, maintenance, environmental rules and other duties are governed by different laws. The legal consequence depends on the alleged conduct, evidence, time limit and procedure.\n\nStart with the constitutional provision, then read the relevant law and official procedure. A short explainer alone is not enough to determine liability. - The Constitution names citizens’ duties alongside rights\n- Consequences of non-compliance depend on a special law and procedure\n- One duty is not a condition for the existence of another constitutional right\n- Check the legal basis, time limit and competent authority in a concrete case","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-obligations faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":36,"title":"Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-36"},{"number":37,"title":"Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-37"},{"number":38,"title":"Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-38"},{"number":39,"title":"Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-39"},{"number":40,"title":"Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-40"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-digital:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-digital","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-digital?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-digital.md?lang=en","question":"What Digital Rights Mean in the New Constitution","answer_summary":"The 2026 Constitution expressly protects personal data and the secrecy of communications transmitted using digital technologies. The legal grounds for processing data, accessing communications, and restricting information remain defined by law; biometric data are regulated under personal-data legislation rather than named separately in the Constitution.","content_text":"What Digital Rights Mean in the New Constitution The 2026 Constitution expressly protects personal data and the secrecy of communications transmitted using digital technologies. The legal grounds for processing data, accessing communications, and restricting information remain defined by law; biometric data are regulated under personal-data legislation rather than named separately in the Constitution. ## Why digital rights matter\n\nEarlier constitutional models were written before the digital age became central to everyday life. Today, a large part of human activity takes place online:\n\n- communication\n- banking and payments\n- public services\n- social networks\n- storage and processing of personal data\n\nThat is why constitutional protection must extend into the digital sphere.\n\n## Main digital rights\n\nThe new constitutional approach strengthens guarantees related to:\n\n- protection of personal data\n- privacy of digital communications such as email and messengers\n- protection against unlawful collection, processing, storage, and use of personal data\n- legal protection for communications transmitted using digital technologies\n\n## What this means in practice\n\nThe state and private entities should not be able to:\n\n- collect personal data without limits\n- distribute data freely without lawful grounds\n- interfere unlawfully with private communications\n- carry out digital surveillance without constitutional and legal justification\n\n## What risks these rights address\n\nDigital rights respond to modern threats such as:\n\n- data leaks\n- unlawful access to accounts and messages\n- profiling and mass data analysis\n- permanent circulation of outdated information harmful to reputation\n\n## Why constitutional status matters\n\nWhen digital rights are protected only by weak regulations, they can be bypassed more easily. Once elevated to constitutional level, they become harder to ignore and easier to defend legally. - The Constitution expressly protects personal data and communications transmitted using digital technologies\n- Biometric data are regulated by personal-data law but are not named separately in the Constitution\n- They respond to data leaks, profiling, and digital surveillance risks\n- Constitutional recognition gives these rights stronger legal protection","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-digital faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":23,"title":"Freedom of Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-emergency-regimes:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-emergency-regimes","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-emergency-regimes?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-emergency-regimes.md?lang=en","question":"How Rights Are Limited During Emergency and Wartime","answer_summary":"A state of emergency or martial law may involve temporary limits, but their legal basis, scope and duration must follow the Constitution and special law. Each measure should be assessed against the specific regime and act.","content_text":"How Rights Are Limited During Emergency and Wartime A state of emergency or martial law may involve temporary limits, but their legal basis, scope and duration must follow the Constitution and special law. Each measure should be assessed against the specific regime and act. ## General principle\n\nA state of emergency or wartime allows the state to adopt additional security measures. But it does not mean that constitutional order disappears or that the authorities gain unlimited power.\n\n## What may be restricted\n\nDepending on the situation, temporary restrictions may affect:\n\n- freedom of movement\n- rules for public assemblies\n- information-security measures\n- special public-safety regimes\n\n## What conditions must still be met\n\nAny emergency restriction must:\n\n- be based on law\n- be temporary\n- be connected to a real and specific threat\n- be publicly announced\n- remain open to judicial and constitutional oversight\n\n## What still cannot be violated\n\nEven in exceptional situations, certain fundamental guarantees must remain protected, especially:\n\n- human dignity\n- the prohibition of torture\n- protection from unlawful violence\n- core legality guarantees\n\n## Why this is important\n\nEmergency regimes always create a risk of overreach. That is why the Constitution must continue to function as a limit even in extraordinary times.\n\n## What a citizen can do\n\nIf a restriction appears unlawful, excessive, or discriminatory, a person may:\n- challenge it in court\n- file a complaint with prosecutorial bodies\n- appeal to the Ombudsman\n- seek constitutional review where applicable - Emergency does not place the state outside the Constitution\n- Restrictions must remain legal, temporary, public, and reviewable\n- Fundamental guarantees still matter even in exceptional regimes\n- Unlawful or discriminatory restrictions can be challenged","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-emergency-regimes faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":46,"title":"Presidential Powers During States of Emergency and Martial Law","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-46"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-basic-list:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-basic-list","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-basic-list?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-basic-list.md?lang=en","question":"Basic Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution","answer_summary":"The Constitution guarantees core personal, political, social, and digital rights. Below is what the 2026 Constitution now protects directly, which guarantees became stronger, and where to go if a right is violated.","content_text":"Basic Rights and Freedoms in the Constitution The Constitution establishes personal, political, social, economic and digital rights. This is a concise map of the core provisions; their exercise, limits and remedies are further defined by law and procedure. ## Core rights\n\nThe Constitution protects a broad set of fundamental rights and freedoms. Among the most important are:\n\n- the right to life\n- personal liberty\n- protection of honor and dignity\n- privacy and inviolability of private life\n- freedom of speech and expression\n- freedom of peaceful assembly\n- freedom of conscience and religion\n- the right to property\n- the right to work and social protection\n- the right to education\n- the right to judicial protection\n\n## What constitutional rights mean\n\nConstitutional rights set limits and guidance for public authorities. In a concrete case, their scope, exercise and available remedy also depend on the applicable law and procedure.\n\nWhen an authority restricts a right, it should identify the legal basis, purpose and procedure. Keep the decision, notice and supporting documents to assess or challenge the measure.\n\n## What the new Constitution strengthens\n\nThe 2026 model places stronger emphasis on several areas:\n\n- digital rights, including personal data and communication privacy\n- procedural guarantees during detention and investigation\n- stronger protection of human dignity\n- constitutional and judicial protection mechanisms, each with its own conditions\n\n## Rights of everyone and rights of citizens\n\nSome rights belong to **every person**:\n- the right to life\n- dignity\n- protection from torture\n- access to justice\n\nOther rights belong specifically to **citizens**:\n- voting rights\n- participation in state governance\n- certain political rights tied to citizenship\n\n## Why this matters\n\nFundamental rights are an important safeguard in an individual’s relationship with the state. For a practical question, read the constitutional text together with the relevant law, documents and procedure. - The Constitution establishes rights relating to life, liberty, dignity, expression, property and judicial protection\n- Rights can be invoked, but their exercise and remedy are usually specified by special legislation\n- The 2026 text clarifies digital and procedural guarantees\n- Some rights belong to everyone, while others are specific to citizens","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-basic-list faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":13,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-13"},{"number":14,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-14"},{"number":15,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-15"},{"number":16,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-16"},{"number":17,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-17"},{"number":18,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-18"},{"number":19,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-19"},{"number":20,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-20"},{"number":21,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":22,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-22"},{"number":23,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"},{"number":24,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-24"},{"number":25,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-25"},{"number":26,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-26"},{"number":27,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-27"},{"number":28,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-28"},{"number":29,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-29"},{"number":30,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-30"},{"number":31,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-31"},{"number":32,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-32"},{"number":33,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-33"},{"number":34,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-34"},{"number":35,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":36,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-36"},{"number":37,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-37"},{"number":38,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-38"},{"number":39,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-39"},{"number":40,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-40"},{"number":41,"title":"Rights and Freedoms","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-41"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:life-personal-data-leaked:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"life-personal-data-leaked","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-personal-data-leaked?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-personal-data-leaked.md?lang=en","question":"My Personal Data Was Leaked – What Should I Do","answer_summary":"The Constitution protects personal data against unlawful collection, processing, storage, and use, including with digital technologies. If your data are leaked, preserve evidence, contact the data operator, and submit a complaint to the Information Security Committee.","content_text":"My Personal Data Was Leaked – What Should I Do The Constitution protects personal data against unlawful collection, processing, storage, and use, including with digital technologies. If your data are leaked, preserve evidence, contact the data operator, and submit a complaint to the Information Security Committee. ## What the Constitution Protects\n\nArticle 21 protects personal data against unlawful collection, processing, storage, and use, including with digital technologies. Consent, other lawful grounds for processing, retention periods, biometric data, and deletion procedures are governed by specific legislation.\n\n## What to Do When Data Are Leaked\n\n1. **Preserve evidence:** screenshots, page addresses, messages from the organisation, the date, and the circumstances of discovery.\n2. **Contact the data owner or operator:** request an explanation, cessation of unlawful processing, and deletion or correction where the law provides for it.\n3. **Submit a complaint through eOtinish to the authorised body:** supervision is handled by the Information Security Committee of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.\n4. **Provide verifiable details:** the organisation or person involved, the circumstances of the violation, and available evidence. These are needed for an unscheduled inspection or administrative proceedings.\n5. **Contact law enforcement** if there are signs of fraud, extortion, unlawful access, or another crime.\n6. **Go to court** if you need the violation stopped or proven harm compensated.\n\nThe Constitutional Court reviews not the leak itself, but the constitutionality of a legal norm that directly affects your rights. The citizen application mechanism has operated since 2023.\n\n[Authorised body guidance](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/activities/9552?lang=ru&parentId=6) - Processing is allowed with consent or another lawful basis\n- The authorised body is the Information Security Committee\n- A complaint needs concrete circumstances and supporting materials\n- Deletion or correction may be requested where and as provided by law\n- If there are signs of a crime, contact law enforcement","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"life-personal-data-leaked faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"personal-data-law-2013","title":"Law on Personal Data and Their Protection","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z1300000094","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"personal-data-authority-guidance","title":"Authorised body guidance on personal-data protection","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/activities/9552?lang=ru&parentId=6","publisher":"Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan","source_type":"regulator_guidance","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:life-detained-by-police:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"life-detained-by-police","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-detained-by-police?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-detained-by-police.md?lang=en","question":"I Was Detained by Police – What Are My Rights","answer_summary":"If detained, establish the reason and actual time, request a lawyer and do not sign documents whose content has not been explained. The 48-hour limit operates together with procedural law; seek legal assistance for a concrete case.","content_text":"I Was Detained by Police – What Are My Rights If detained, establish the reason and actual time, request a lawyer and do not sign documents whose content has not been explained. The 48-hour limit operates together with procedural law; seek legal assistance for a concrete case. ## First steps\n\nIf you are detained, stay calm and ask for the reason, legal ground and actual time of the measure. Preserve copies or details of any documents you receive.\n\n## Legal assistance\n\nState clearly that you want to contact a lawyer. Do not sign a document whose content has not been explained or which you do not understand. Ask for a relative or another person you name to be notified; the procedure for notice is governed by procedural law.\n\n## Time limits and a complaint\n\nThe duration of detention, judicial control and access to a defence lawyer depend on procedural status and the applicable law. The 48-hour rule operates together with those procedures. To challenge an unlawful action, record the time, officials' details and documents.\n\nThis material is general orientation, not case-specific legal advice. Contact a lawyer or legal-aid organisation promptly for a concrete case. - Establish the reason, legal ground and actual time of detention\n- Request a lawyer and do not sign unexplained documents\n- Preserve the details of notices and documents\n- Time limits and safeguards depend on the applicable procedure","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"life-detained-by-police faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":18,"title":"Personal Liberty and Detention","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-18"},{"number":19,"title":"Presumption of Innocence","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-19"},{"number":20,"title":"Dignity and Prohibition of Torture","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-20"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-how-to-protect:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-how-to-protect","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-how-to-protect?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-how-to-protect.md?lang=en","question":"How to Protect Your Constitutional Rights","answer_summary":"If a right is violated, the right path depends on the situation: an ordinary court, the Constitutional Court, the ombudsperson, or the prosecutor's office. Below is how to choose the right channel, what to prepare, and where to start without confusion.","content_text":"How Constitutional Rights Can Be Protected The right route depends on what happened, which act was applied, and which deadline is running. Preserve evidence and check the deadline first: an Ombudsman or prosecutor complaint usually does not replace court proceedings and does not suspend procedural deadlines. ## Start with urgency\n\nIf a person is detained, faces violence, or needs immediate protection, do not wait for an agency response: contact a lawyer, tell a trusted person, record the time and circumstances, and call 102 or 112 in immediate danger.\n\nIn other cases, preserve the decision, notice, correspondence, photographs, video, and witness details. Record the date you learned about the violation because it may determine the deadline for a complaint or claim.\n\n## Ordinary court or administrative complaint\n\nA court is the main route to obtain a binding decision in a concrete dispute. But the type of proceedings, venue, prior administrative complaint, and deadline depend on the case. There is no universal filing rule.\n\nIf the dispute concerns a public authority decision, check the administrative complaint procedure first. If a court act already exists, separately check the appeal or cassation deadline. When in doubt, obtain legal help before the deadline expires.\n\n## When the Constitutional Court is the right route\n\nThe Constitutional Court does not re-decide the facts of a case instead of an appeal. A citizen challenges a law or other normative legal act that directly affected their constitutional rights in a concrete case.\n\nAs a general rule, a final court act applying the challenged rule is required, and the application must be filed within **one year** after that act. The constitutional law provides limited exceptions. Applications may be submitted through eGov, e-Otinish, by post, or in person; representation is not mandatory, but legal assistance is useful.\n\nIf a normative act is found inconsistent with the Constitution, the act or relevant provision ceases to operate and cannot be applied from the Constitutional Court decision date or another date set by the Court.\n\n## Ombudsman and prosecution service\n\nThe Ombudsman receives human-rights complaints, works with public bodies, and may issue recommendations, but does not set aside court decisions.\n\nThe prosecution service supervises legality and acts within its competence. A complaint does not guarantee prosecutorial intervention and does not replace the procedure set by law for challenging a decision.\n\n**Important:** applications to the Ombudsman, the prosecution service, or another agency usually **do not suspend** the deadline for court or Constitutional Court proceedings.\n\n## Practical order\n\n1. Record the decision or action, date, and authority.\n2. Preserve documents and other evidence.\n3. Check the specific deadline and any mandatory pre-court procedure.\n4. Define the goal: set aside a decision, restore a right, seek compensation, or review a normative act.\n5. Seek legal help if the cost of an error is high or the deadline is short.\n\n## Useful links\n\n- [Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/constitution-court)\n- [Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman)](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ombudsman)\n- [Free legal aid – Ministry of Justice](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/minjust) - The type of court, venue, and deadline depend on the individual dispute\n- The Constitutional Court reviews a normative act and does not replace an appeal on case facts\n- The general deadline for a citizen application is one year after the relevant court act; the law provides exceptions\n- The Ombudsman and prosecution service do not replace court proceedings and usually do not suspend procedural deadlines","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-how-to-protect faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Protection of Rights and Legal Assistance","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":79,"title":"Judicial Referral to the Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-79"},{"number":84,"title":"Prosecutor's Office","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-84"},{"number":85,"title":"Human Rights Commissioner","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-85"},{"number":86,"title":"Advocacy and Legal Assistance","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-86"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:rights-detention:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"rights-detention","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-detention?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/rights-detention.md?lang=en","question":"What Rights a Person Has Upon Detention","answer_summary":"If detained, establish the reason and actual time, request a lawyer and retain the documents. The 48-hour limit operates together with procedural law; the type of proceeding and a person’s status may affect the next steps.","content_text":"What Rights a Person Has Upon Detention If detained, establish the reason and actual time, request a lawyer and retain the documents. The 48-hour limit operates together with procedural law; the type of proceeding and a person’s status may affect the next steps. ## Core guarantees\n\nConstitutional and procedural safeguards apply during detention. Their concrete operation depends on the status of the person, the facts and the applicable procedure. Key safeguards may include:\n\n- the right to be informed of one’s rights\n- immediate access to a lawyer\n- the possibility of notifying relatives or close persons\n- access to judicial control\n- protection from torture and unlawful coercion\n\n## What the new Constitution strengthens\n\nThe applicable rules on judicial control and time limits, including the 48-hour rule where it applies, must be read with the relevant procedural legislation.\n\nA detained person should be informed of procedural rights in the manner provided by law:\n- the detained person must be clearly informed of their rights\n- the timing and form of information are governed by the applicable procedure\n- access to legal assistance follows the applicable legal procedure\n\n## Why a lawyer matters\n\nA lawyer can:\n- helps protect the detained person from abuse\n- explains the right to remain silent or give statements\n- ensures procedural guarantees are respected\n- helps file complaints against unlawful actions\n\n## Why this stage is sensitive\n\nThe moment of detention is one of the highest-risk points for rights violations. If safeguards are weak here, fairness later in the process becomes much harder to ensure.\n\n## What a person should remember\n\nA detained person should:\n- remain silent where the law allows\n- request a lawyer\n- challenge unlawful treatment\n- refuse unlawful pressure - Detention safeguards include information, legal counsel, judicial control and protection from abuse\n- Time limits, including the 48-hour rule where it applies, operate with procedural legislation\n- The content and timing of information depend on the applicable procedure\n- Prompt legal assistance helps protect procedural rights","section":{"code":"rights","title":"Rights"},"keywords":"rights-detention faq rights Rights","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":18,"title":"Personal Liberty and Detention","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-18"},{"number":19,"title":"Presumption of Innocence","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-19"},{"number":20,"title":"Dignity and Prohibition of Torture","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-20"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:national-bank:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"national-bank","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/national-bank?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/national-bank.md?lang=en","question":"National Bank","answer_summary":"The National Bank is the central bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its primary objective is price stability; it also works on monetary policy, payment systems, currency regulation and financial stability. The Chair of the National Bank is appointed by the President.","content_text":"National Bank The National Bank is the central bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its primary objective is price stability; it also works on monetary policy, payment systems, currency regulation and financial stability. The Chair of the National Bank is appointed by the President. ## Status\n\nThe National Bank is the **central bank** of the Republic of Kazakhstan. It is a constitutional-level institution because price stability and trust in money are fundamental to the functioning of the state and the economy.\n\n## Main objective\n\nIts primary objective is:\n\n- ensuring price stability\nIt contributes to financial stability, payment-system reliability and currency regulation, but it does not set retail prices directly.\n\n## Key functions\n\nThe National Bank performs several core functions:\n\n- conducts monetary policy through the base rate, liquidity tools and inflation expectations\n- manages foreign exchange reserves\n- supports financial stability together with other regulators\n- issues the national currency\n\n## Appointment of the Chair\n\nThe Chair of the National Bank is appointed:\n\n- by the President\n- and dismissed by the President\n\n## Independence and accountability\n\nA central bank must have enough independence to make monetary decisions without short-term political pressure.\n\nAt the same time, it must remain publicly accountable:\n- for major policy directions\n- for implementation of monetary objectives\n- for the legality and stability of the financial framework\n\n## Why this matters\n\nInflation, currency stability, and trust in the financial system affect everyday life directly. That is why the National Bank is not merely a technical body but a major constitutional institution. - The National Bank is the central bank of Kazakhstan\n- Its main objective is price stability\n- The Chair is appointed and dismissed by the President\n- It combines monetary-policy independence with constitutional accountability","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"national-bank faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":2,"title":"National Currency and Tenge Issuance","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-2"},{"number":43,"title":"Appointment of the National Bank Chair","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":58,"title":"Participation in Kurultai Sittings","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Appointment of the National Bank Chair","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"national-bank-official-info","title":"Information about the National Bank of Kazakhstan","url":"https://nationalbank.kz/ru/page/informaciya-o-nbk","publisher":"National Bank of Kazakhstan","source_type":"regulator_guidance","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"national-bank-chair-appointment","statement":"The Chair of the National Bank is appointed and dismissed by the President; Kurultai consent is not required for this appointment.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":["46.5"],"source_ids":["constitution-2026-official"]},{"id":"national-bank-price-stability","statement":"The National Bank affects price stability through monetary policy and inflation expectations, not by directly setting retail prices.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":[],"source_ids":["national-bank-official-info"]}],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:government:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"government","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/government?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/government.md?lang=en","question":"Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan","answer_summary":"The Government is the highest executive body responsible for implementing state policy, managing the economy, social development, and public administration. It is formed by the President and is accountable to both the President and the Kurultai under the new constitutional model.","content_text":"Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan The Government is the highest executive body responsible for implementing state policy, managing the economy, social development, and public administration. It is formed by the President and is accountable to both the President and the Kurultai under the new constitutional model. ## Constitutional role\n\nThe Government is the **highest executive body** of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its task is not to make the Constitution, but to implement state policy in practice.\n\nIt is responsible for:\n- economic administration\n- social policy\n- public services\n- law and order within executive competence\n- execution of laws and state programs\n\n## Composition\n\nThe Government is headed by the Prime Minister and includes:\n\n- Deputy Prime Ministers\n- ministers\n- heads of central executive bodies where constitutionally or legally required\n\n## Formation\n\nUnder the constitutional model:\n\n- the Prime Minister is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai\n- the Government’s structure is determined by the President\n- members of the Government are appointed within the executive formation process\n\nThis keeps the Government within a presidential system while adding parliamentary oversight at the key stage of appointment.\n\n## Accountability\n\nThe Government is accountable:\n\n- to the President, as the head of state in a presidential system\n- to the Kurultai, through reporting and political oversight mechanisms\n\nThis dual accountability is important because it combines executive unity with parliamentary scrutiny.\n\n## Main areas of work\n\nIn the economy:\n- prepares and executes the republican budget\n- manages state property and economic policy\n- implements financial and development measures\n\nIn social policy:\n- implements education, healthcare, labor, and culture policy\n- ensures social protection mechanisms\n- carries out public welfare programs\n\nIn administration and security:\n- organizes implementation of laws\n- maintains public administration systems\n- acts within the framework of legality and citizens’ rights\n\n## Why this matters\n\nThe Government remains executive in nature, but in the 2026 model it operates under more visible constitutional accountability than in a purely centralized executive design. - The Government is the highest executive body\n- The Prime Minister is appointed by the President with Kurultai consent\n- The Government is accountable to both the President and the Kurultai\n- Its work covers the economy, social policy, and administrative implementation","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"government faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":63,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-63"},{"number":64,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-64"},{"number":65,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-65"},{"number":66,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-66"},{"number":67,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-67"},{"number":68,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-68"},{"number":69,"title":"Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-69"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:kurultai:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"kurultai","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai.md?lang=en","question":"Kurultai: Kazakhstan's New Parliament","answer_summary":"The Kurultai is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The 2026 Constitution replaces the bicameral structure of the Senate and Mazhilis with a single representative body of 145 deputies elected through a nationwide proportional system. Its constitutional powers are significantly greater than those of the previous parliament.","content_text":"Kurultai Supreme Representative Body The Kurultai is the unicameral parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The 2026 Constitution replaces the bicameral structure of the Senate and Mazhilis with a single representative body of 145 deputies elected through a nationwide proportional system. Its constitutional powers are significantly greater than those of the previous parliament. ## What the Kurultai is\n\nThe Kurultai is the **supreme representative body** of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the 2026 Constitution. It replaces the previous bicameral Parliament, which consisted of the Senate and the Mazhilis.\n\n## Structure\n\nUnder the new model:\n\n- the Kurultai is unicameral\n- it consists of **145 deputies**\n- deputies are elected through a nationwide proportional system\n- legislative responsibility is concentrated in one chamber\n\n## Why replace the bicameral system\n\nThe 2026 Constitution reflects the view that the experience of the bicameral parliament showed several limits:\n\n- coordination between two chambers slowed the legislative process\n- duplication of functions reduced efficiency\n- responsibility was diffused across separate institutions\n\nA unicameral structure is presented as a way to improve:\n- transparency\n- speed\n- personal accountability of deputies\n\n## Powers\n\nThe Kurultai’s constitutional powers are expanded from **13 to 23 functions**.\n\nThese include:\n- adopting laws and constitutional amendments subject to the constitutional procedure\n- approving the republican budget\n- ratifying international treaties\n- giving consent to appointments expressly listed in the Constitution\n- hearing Government reports\n- expressing no confidence in the Government\n- calling presidential elections in cases established by law\n- considering defense and security decisions where the Constitution expressly gives the Kurultai a role\n\n## Role in checks and balances\n\nThe Kurultai is not only a law-making body. It is also a central institution of oversight.\n\nBy requiring consent for major appointments and by hearing reports from the Government and other institutions, it becomes more influential in the system of checks and balances.\n\n## Why this matters\n\nThe transition to the Kurultai is one of the most visible institutional changes in the entire constitutional reform because it reshapes how representation, legislation, and oversight work at the national level. - The Kurultai replaces the Senate and Mazhilis\n- It is a unicameral parliament with 145 deputies\n- Its powers expand from 13 to 23 constitutional functions\n- It plays a stronger oversight role through consent and reporting mechanisms","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"kurultai faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"},{"number":55,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-55"},{"number":56,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-56"},{"number":57,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-57"},{"number":58,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":59,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-59"},{"number":60,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":62,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-62"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:president:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"president","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/president?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/president.md?lang=en","question":"President of the Republic of Kazakhstan","answer_summary":"The President is the head of state, guarantor of the Constitution, and protector of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The 2026 Constitution preserves the presidential form of government and strengthens checks and balances through Kurultai consent for several defined appointments.","content_text":"President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The President is the head of state, guarantor of the Constitution, and protector of the rights and freedoms of citizens. The 2026 Constitution preserves the presidential form of government and strengthens checks and balances through Kurultai consent for several defined appointments. ## Constitutional status\n\nThe President is the **head of state** and the central institution of the constitutional system. The President is not simply a political leader but the constitutional guarantor of state continuity, legality, and the coordinated functioning of public authorities.\n\nThe President:\n\n- represents the Republic of Kazakhstan\n- ensures observance of the Constitution\n- protects the rights and freedoms of citizens\n- acts as an arbiter within the system of state power\n\n## Term and mandate\n\nUnder the new constitutional model, the President serves:\n\n- for a **single 7-year term**\n- without the right to immediate re-election\n- as a politically neutral figure above party competition\n\nThis preserves the core presidential model while limiting long-term concentration of personal power.\n\n## Key powers\n\nIn legislation:\n- signs and promulgates laws\n- has veto power and may return a law to the Kurultai for reconsideration\n- initiates laws and constitutional amendments\n- calls referendums in constitutionally established cases\n\nIn executive power:\n- appoints the Prime Minister with the consent of the Kurultai\n- appoints the Vice President with the consent of the Kurultai\n- determines the structure and approves the composition of the Government\n\nIn judicial and law-enforcement institutions:\n- appoints the Chair of the Constitutional Court; appoints Constitutional Court judges with the consent of the Kurultai\n- appoints the Prosecutor General\n- appoints the Chair of the National Bank\n\nIn defense and security:\n- serves as Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces\n- introduces a state of emergency\n- introduces martial law in cases of aggression or direct external threat and immediately informs the Kurultai\n\n## What changes in 2026\n\nThe 2026 Constitution does not abolish presidential government. Instead, it recalibrates it.\n\nThe main change is not the disappearance of the presidency, but the strengthening of institutional filters:\n- consent of the Kurultai is required for several defined appointments, including the Prime Minister, the Vice President, Constitutional Court judges, CEC members, and High Audit Chamber members\n- parliamentary oversight becomes more meaningful\n- continuity is supported by the introduction of the Vice President\n\n## Why this matters\n\nA strong presidency remains part of the constitutional design, but it operates within a more visible framework of consent, accountability, and institutional balance. - The President remains the head of state and guarantor of the Constitution\n- The term remains one 7-year term\n- Several defined appointments require the consent of the Kurultai\n- The 2026 model preserves presidential rule but strengthens checks and balances","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"president faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":43,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":44,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-44"},{"number":45,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-45"},{"number":46,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-46"},{"number":47,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-47"},{"number":48,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-48"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"presidential-appointment-scope","statement":"The President appoints the Chair of the Constitutional Court, the Chair of the National Bank, and the Prosecutor General without Kurultai consent; Kurultai consent is required for Constitutional Court judges, CEC members, and High Audit Chamber members.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":["46.5","46.8"],"source_ids":["constitution-2026-official"]}],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:vice-president:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"vice-president","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president.md?lang=en","question":"Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan","answer_summary":"The Vice President is a new constitutional office created to ensure continuity of governance, coordination, and institutional stability. Appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, the Vice President acts on the President's instructions and does not constitute an independently elected political centre.","content_text":"Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan The Vice President is a new constitutional office created to ensure continuity of governance, coordination, and institutional stability. Appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai, the Vice President acts on the President's instructions and does not constitute an independently elected political centre. ## A new institution\n\nOne of the important innovations of the 2026 Constitution is the creation of the office of the **Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan**. This office is designed to ensure continuity of governance and provide a constitutional mechanism to prevent a power vacuum in case of early termination of presidential powers.\n\n## How appointed\n\nThe Vice President is:\n\n- appointed by the President\n- subject to the consent of the Kurultai\n- included in the executive architecture as a constitutionally recognized office\n\nThis creates a dual institutional filter: presidential nomination and parliamentary consent.\n\n## Main functions\n\nThe Vice President:\n\n- coordinates the work of the Government on the President’s instructions\n- participates in Government and Kurultai sessions where necessary\n- supports continuity in executive governance\n- may temporarily perform presidential duties in constitutionally defined situations\n\n## Temporary presidential duties\n\nIf the President’s powers terminate early, the Vice President temporarily acts as President until new elections are held.\n\nThis temporary period is limited:\n- it is not a full independent mandate\n- it exists to prevent a power vacuum\n- it ends once a newly elected President takes office\n\n## Limitations\n\nThe Vice President is not a second President and does not create a dual executive.\n\nThe office:\n- does not possess an independent political mandate\n- acts within powers delegated or defined by the Constitution\n- does not replace the President as the head of state\n- is primarily an institution of continuity and coordination\n\n## Why it matters\n\nThis office is designed to eliminate power vacuums and ensure that the executive branch continues to function during constitutionally defined situations. - The Vice President is a new constitutional office\n- Appointment requires both presidential nomination and Kurultai consent\n- The office ensures continuity of governance and executive coordination\n- Temporary assumption of duties prevents a power vacuum during constitutionally defined situations","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"vice-president faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":50,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-50"},{"number":51,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-51"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-government:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-government","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-government?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-government.md?lang=en","question":"Local Government and Self-Government","answer_summary":"Local government and self-government are the institutions through which public authority is exercised at the level closest to citizens. They include local executive bodies, representative bodies, and self-government mechanisms that address everyday issues such as infrastructure, services, local budgets, and community development.","content_text":"Local Government and Self-Government Local government and self-government are the institutions through which public authority is exercised at the level closest to citizens. They include local executive bodies, representative bodies, and self-government mechanisms that address everyday issues such as infrastructure, services, local budgets, and community development. ## Why local government matters\n\nFor most citizens, the state is encountered first not at the national level but through local institutions. Roads, schools, utilities, transport, public spaces, and local services are shaped primarily at the local level.\n\n## What it includes\n\nLocal government and self-government include:\n\n- local executive bodies\n- representative bodies such as maslikhats\n- mechanisms of local participation and consultation\n- forms of community-level self-organization\n\n## Main functions\n\nAt the local level, public authorities deal with:\n\n- local budgets and development planning\n- communal infrastructure\n- social and public services\n- environmental and urban issues\n- implementation of national policy in local conditions\n\n## Balance of powers\n\nLocal government is important because it combines:\n- executive management\n- representative oversight\n- citizen participation\n\nA healthy local constitutional model does not rely only on administrative command. It also requires accountability to residents and representative institutions.\n\n## Why the Constitution matters here\n\nConstitutional recognition of local government gives these institutions legal protection and defines their place in the overall architecture of the state. This matters for decentralization, responsiveness, and public trust.\n\n## Why this matters\n\nThe quality of local government often determines how citizens judge the state as a whole, because it is the level of power they experience most directly. - Local government is the level of public authority closest to citizens\n- It includes executive bodies, representative institutions, and participation mechanisms\n- It is central for budgets, services, infrastructure, and community issues\n- Constitutional recognition strengthens its legal role in the state system","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"local-government faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":87,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":88,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-88"},{"number":89,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-89"},{"number":90,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"},{"number":91,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:prosecutor:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"prosecutor","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/prosecutor?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/prosecutor.md?lang=en","question":"Prosecutor General","answer_summary":"The prosecution service exercises the highest supervision over legality on behalf of the state within the limits and forms established by law. The President appoints and dismisses the Prosecutor General, who serves one non-renewable six-year term.","content_text":"Prosecutor General The prosecution service exercises the highest supervision over legality on behalf of the state within the limits and forms established by law. The President appoints and dismisses the Prosecutor General, who serves one non-renewable six-year term. ## Constitutional role\n\nUnder Article 84, the prosecution service exercises the highest supervision over legality on behalf of the state, represents state interests in court, and conducts criminal prosecution. The law defines the limits, forms, and procedure.\n\nThis does not mean that prosecutors must intervene in every complaint or can replace a court. The subject of the complaint, the authority’s competence, and the special route for protection matter in each case.\n\n## Status of the Prosecutor General\n\nThe President appoints and dismisses the Prosecutor General. The term is six years, and the same person cannot be appointed more than once.\n\nThe prosecution service is a single centralized system. It acts independently from other state bodies and officials and is accountable to the President within the constitutional framework.\n\n## When a complaint may fit\n\nA complaint to the prosecution service may fit where it concerns legality or indicators of a violation within its competence. Preserve documents and identify the authority, action, date, and rule that you believe was breached.\n\nA prosecutor complaint does not itself set aside a court decision and usually does not suspend a deadline for an administrative complaint, claim, appeal, or constitutional application.\n\n## Verify the route\n\n- [Prosecution Service of the Republic of Kazakhstan](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/prokuror)\n- [How to protect constitutional rights](/p/rights-how-to-protect?lang=en) - The prosecution service supervises legality, represents state interests in court, and conducts criminal prosecution within the law\n- The President appoints and dismisses the Prosecutor General for one non-renewable six-year term\n- The prosecution service does not replace a court or guarantee intervention in every complaint\n- A complaint does not remove the need to meet procedural deadlines","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"prosecutor faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":43,"title":"Appointment of the Prosecutor General","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":73,"title":"Prosecutor General Referral to the Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":84,"title":"Prosecutor's Office","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-84"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Appointment of the Prosecutor General","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"prosecutor-general-appointment","statement":"The Prosecutor General is appointed and dismissed by the President; Kurultai consent is not required for this appointment.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":["46.5"],"source_ids":["constitution-2026-official"]}],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitutional-court:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitutional-court","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-court?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-court.md?lang=en","question":"Constitutional Court","answer_summary":"The Constitutional Court is an independent body of constitutional review. A citizen may challenge a normative legal act that directly affects their constitutional rights, but the constitutional law sets admissibility conditions for that route.","content_text":"Constitutional Court The Constitutional Court is an independent body of constitutional review. A citizen may challenge a normative legal act that directly affects their constitutional rights, but the constitutional law sets admissibility conditions for that route. ## Role of the Court\n\nThe Constitutional Court ensures the supremacy of the Constitution. It reviews laws and other normative legal acts within the competence set by Articles 72–75 of the Constitution.\n\nIt does not replace ordinary courts: it does not re-weigh evidence or hear an appeal on the merits of a dispute.\n\n## Who may apply and about what\n\nThe President, Chair of the Kurultai, at least one fifth of Kurultai deputies, and the Prime Minister may apply on the matters expressly listed in Article 73, including laws before signature, Kurultai resolutions, international treaties before ratification, and official interpretation of the Constitution.\n\nA court refers a normative act when it must apply that act and finds that it infringes constitutional rights. A citizen of Kazakhstan may challenge a law or other normative legal act that directly affects their rights and freedoms.\n\nThe constitutional law sets admissibility conditions for citizen applications. As a general rule, the challenged provision must have been applied in a concrete case and the application must be filed within one year after the relevant final court act. The law provides limited exceptions.\n\n## Composition and independence\n\nThe Court has a Chair and ten judges. A judge serves one non-renewable eight-year term. The President appoints the Chair; the President appoints judges with the consent of the Kurultai.\n\nThe Constitution and constitutional law determine the Court’s status, guarantees, and procedure. A short explainer cannot replace legal advice where the subject, documents, and deadline matter.\n\n## Legal force of decisions\n\nConstitutional Court decisions take effect on the date of adoption, are binding throughout Kazakhstan, final, and not subject to appeal. A normative act or provision found unconstitutional ceases to operate and cannot be applied from the decision date or another date set by the Court.\n\n## Verify the procedure\n\n- [Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/constitution-court)\n- [Conditions for citizen applications](https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/press/news/details/650574?lang=en)\n- [How to protect constitutional rights](/p/rights-how-to-protect?lang=en) - The Constitutional Court reviews normative acts for compliance with the Constitution within its competence\n- A citizen challenges an act that directly affects their rights and must meet admissibility conditions\n- The Court does not replace an appeal on the facts of a case\n- Its decisions are final, binding, and set the date from which an unconstitutional rule ceases to operate","section":{"code":"power","title":"Government"},"keywords":"constitutional-court faq power Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":73,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":74,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-74"},{"number":75,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-75"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"constitutional-court-appointment-scope","statement":"The Chair of the Constitutional Court is appointed by the President; Constitutional Court judges are appointed by the President with Kurultai consent for eight years.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":["46.5","46.8"],"source_ids":["constitution-2026-official"]}],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-maslikhat:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-maslikhat","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-maslikhat?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-maslikhat.md?lang=en","question":"What the Maslikhat Does","answer_summary":"The maslikhat is the local representative body through which local interests, oversight, and political accountability are expressed. Local governance should not consist only of executive administration – it must also include representation and public scrutiny.","content_text":"What the Maslikhat Does The maslikhat is the local representative body through which local interests, oversight, and political accountability are expressed. Local governance should not consist only of executive administration – it must also include representation and public scrutiny. ## Role of the maslikhat\n\nThe maslikhat is the **local representative body**. It gives local governance a representative and political dimension, ensuring that local administration is not purely vertical and executive in character.\n\n## Main functions\n\nA maslikhat typically deals with matters such as:\n\n- local development priorities\n- budget-related issues\n- oversight of local administration\n- articulation of residents’ interests\n- discussion of socially important local matters\n\n## Why representative bodies matter locally\n\nLocal governance is healthier when it combines:\n\n- executive action\n- representative oversight\n- public participation\n\nWithout a representative body, local power becomes too administrative and too closed.\n\n## Relationship with the akim\n\nThe akim manages local executive action.  \nThe maslikhat represents local interests and provides oversight.  \nTogether, these institutions create a more balanced local model.\n\n## Why this matters to citizens\n\nIf residents want local governance to reflect real needs, there must be institutions that can translate social demands into public discussion and local political accountability.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe maslikhat is important because it gives local governance a representative voice rather than leaving everything to administration alone. - The maslikhat is the local representative body\n- It helps express residents’ interests and oversee local administration\n- Local governance works better when executive and representative functions are balanced\n- The maslikhat adds accountability to local administration","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-maslikhat faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":87,"title":"Local Public Administration","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":88,"title":"Local Representation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-88"},{"number":90,"title":"Acts of Maslikhats and Akims","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"},{"number":91,"title":"Local Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-self-government:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-self-government","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-self-government?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-self-government.md?lang=en","question":"What Local Self-Government Is and How It Differs from Local Administration","answer_summary":"Local administration is a top-down hierarchy: akims appointed from the centre. Local self-government is a bottom-up initiative: residents themselves decide what to repair and build. Since 2021, village akims are elected by residents. The 2026 Constitution enshrines self-government at the constitutional level.","content_text":"What Local Self-Government Is and How It Differs from Local Administration Local administration is a top-down hierarchy: akims appointed from the centre. Local self-government is a bottom-up initiative: residents themselves decide what to repair and build. Since 2021, village akims are elected by residents. The 2026 Constitution enshrines self-government at the constitutional level. ## Two terms – two approaches\n\n**Local administration:**\n- Top-down hierarchy – akims are appointed or confirmed by the centre\n- Implements policy from Astana at the local level\n- Funded from the national budget\n- Accountable to higher-level akims and the President\n\n**Local self-government:**\n- Bottom-up initiative – residents decide local issues themselves\n- Forms include: residents' assemblies, public councils, elected akims\n- Funded from the local budget\n- Accountable to residents\n\n**A practical example:** the road in your village is repaired not because Astana included it in a plan, but because residents and their elected akim decided it was a priority – that is self-government.\n\n## Current framework\n\nSince 2021, akims of **villages and settlements** are elected by residents. This is the first step toward genuine self-government. At the district and city level, appointment remains the current practice.\n\n## What the 2026 Constitution changes\n\n- **Constitutional recognition** of self-government – not merely a statutory rule but a provision of the fundamental law\n- Extending **elected accountability** for akims to higher levels\n- Strengthening the **role of maslikhats**\n- Greater **financial autonomy** for local budgets\n\nSelf-government is not separatism. It is the resolution of local issues by residents within a unified state – as practiced in democratic countries from Sweden to South Korea. - Local administration = top-down hierarchy (appointed akims)\n- Local self-government = bottom-up initiative (elections, residents' assemblies, local budget)\n- Since 2021 – village akims are elected; the 2026 Constitution extends elected accountability higher\n- The 2026 Constitution enshrines self-government at the constitutional level","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-self-government faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":87,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":88,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-88"},{"number":89,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-89"},{"number":90,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"},{"number":91,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-why-it-matters:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-why-it-matters","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-why-it-matters?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-why-it-matters.md?lang=en","question":"Why Local Self-Government Matters","answer_summary":"Local self-government matters because it is the level of public power closest to people’s everyday lives. It determines how communities are heard, how local priorities are set, and how quickly public problems can be identified and addressed.","content_text":"Why Local Self-Government Matters Local self-government matters because it is the level of public power closest to people’s everyday lives. It determines how communities are heard, how local priorities are set, and how quickly public problems can be identified and addressed. ## Closest level of power\n\nFor most citizens, the state is experienced first at the local level. Local self-government is where abstract constitutional principles become everyday reality.\n\n## What it affects\n\nLocal self-government influences:\n\n- neighborhood infrastructure\n- schools, clinics, and services\n- local budgets and spending priorities\n- environmental and urban issues\n- communication between authorities and residents\n\n## Why it matters democratically\n\nDemocracy is not only national elections. It also depends on whether people can influence decisions in the places where they actually live.\n\nStrong local self-government helps:\n- make power more responsive\n- bring decision-making closer to residents\n- improve accountability\n- adapt public policy to local conditions\n\n## Why constitutional recognition matters\n\nIf local self-government is constitutionally protected, it has a clearer legal place in the structure of the state. That helps shield it from being treated as a purely technical administrative layer.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe stronger local self-government is, the more citizens feel that the state is accessible, understandable, and responsive in daily life. - Local self-government is the level of power closest to citizens\n- It affects services, infrastructure, budgets, and local priorities\n- It brings democracy into everyday life, not only national politics\n- Constitutional recognition strengthens its legal role","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-why-it-matters faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":87,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":88,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-88"},{"number":89,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-89"},{"number":90,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"},{"number":91,"title":"Local Government and Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-halyk-kenesi:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-halyk-kenesi","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-halyk-kenesi?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-halyk-kenesi.md?lang=en","question":"What the Local People’s Council Is","answer_summary":"The local People’s Council is a proposed participation mechanism at the local level through which residents, community representatives, experts, and civil society actors can discuss local issues and communicate them to public authorities. It is intended as a channel of dialogue, not a replacement for elected local institutions.","content_text":"What the Local People’s Council Is The local People’s Council is a proposed participation mechanism at the local level through which residents, community representatives, experts, and civil society actors can discuss local issues and communicate them to public authorities. It is intended as a channel of dialogue, not a replacement for elected local institutions. ## Main idea\n\nThe local People’s Council is intended to create a **structured dialogue platform** at the local level. Its purpose is to help residents and organized community groups discuss local problems in a more regular and institutional form.\n\n## Why such a body may be useful\n\nMany local issues affect people directly:\n\n- roads and transport\n- utilities and housing matters\n- schools and clinics\n- public spaces\n- environmental concerns\n- local development priorities\n\nIn practice, residents often need a forum where these issues can be raised collectively rather than only through isolated complaints.\n\n## What it may include\n\nA local People’s Council may include:\n\n- residents\n- local experts\n- representatives of civil society\n- community activists\n- professional and sectoral representatives\n- local opinion leaders\n\n## What it can do\n\nSuch a council may:\n\n- discuss local development questions\n- formulate recommendations\n- identify community concerns early\n- improve communication between residents and local authorities\n- strengthen participatory local governance\n\n## What it cannot do\n\nThe local People’s Council is not a parliament and not an executive body. It does not replace:\n\n- the akim\n- the maslikhat\n- formal administrative procedures\n\nIts value lies in consultation, dialogue, and articulation of local interests.\n\n## Why it matters\n\nIf local participation mechanisms are real and active, people are more likely to see local governance as responsive rather than distant. - The local People’s Council is a dialogue and consultation mechanism\n- It helps residents raise local issues in an organized way\n- It does not replace the akim or the maslikhat\n- Its value is participatory discussion and local feedback","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-halyk-kenesi faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":71,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-71"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-citizen-participation:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-citizen-participation","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-citizen-participation?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-citizen-participation.md?lang=en","question":"How a Citizen Can Participate in Governing the Country","answer_summary":"Participation extends beyond elections: citizens may submit appeals, join peaceful assemblies and public councils, apply to the Constitutional Court, and support petitions under the Administrative Procedural Code. You can stand for election to a maslikhat from age 20 and to the Kurultai from age 25.","content_text":"How a Citizen Can Participate in Governing the Country Participation extends beyond elections: citizens may submit appeals, join peaceful assemblies and public councils, apply to the Constitutional Court, and support petitions under the Administrative Procedural Code. You can stand for election to a maslikhat from age 20 and to the Kurultai from age 25. ## Elections are not the only tool\n\nVoting once every five years is just the beginning. The Constitution provides a range of ways to influence decisions.\n\n## Forms of participation\n\n**Elections and referendum:**\n- Voting in elections to the Kurultai, maslikhats, and for akims\n- Voting in a referendum\n- Standing for election: **from age 20** to a maslikhat, **from age 25** to the Kurultai\n\n**Appeals:**\n- To a **state body** – it is obliged to respond within the prescribed period. Failure to respond is a violation of the law\n- To the **Constitutional Court** – if a law violates your constitutional rights (free of charge, via eGov)\n- To the **Ombudsman** – if a state body has violated your rights\n\n**Public oversight:**\n- **Public councils** attached to state bodies – participation in discussing decisions\n- **Peaceful assemblies** – a constitutional right (notification procedure)\n- **Trade unions and NGOs** – collective protection of interests\n\n**New and existing mechanisms:**\n- **Khalyk Kenesi (People's Council)** – 126 members, representatives of public groups with the right of legislative initiative\n- **Petitions** – a collective-appeal process under Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code, not direct citizen introduction of a bill\n- **Digital tools** – eGov as the platform for engaging with the state\n\n## What works right now\n\n- Your district maslikhat approves the budget – for roads, schools, hospitals\n- The akim of your village is elected by you (since 2021)\n- The Constitutional Court annuls unconstitutional laws on a citizen's application (since 2023)\n- Public councils discuss decisions before they are adopted\n\nAll of this depends on participation. The tools work when people use them. - Elections, referendum, appeals, public councils, peaceful assemblies – all are forms of participation\n- Standing for election: from age 20 to a maslikhat, from age 25 to the Kurultai\n- The Constitution introduces Khalyk Kenesi; the Administrative Procedural Code governs petitions\n- An application to the Constitutional Court is free; a state body must respond within the prescribed period","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-citizen-participation faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation in Governance","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":87,"title":"Local Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":91,"title":"Local Self-Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-91"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"administrative-procedural-code-petitions","title":"Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000350#z1470","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:local-akim-role:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"local-akim-role","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-akim-role?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/local-akim-role.md?lang=en","question":"What the Akim Does","answer_summary":"The akim is the head of the local executive authority and is responsible for administration, implementation of state policy, and management of local affairs within the relevant territory. In everyday life, the akim’s role is highly visible because it directly affects services, infrastructure, and local development.","content_text":"What the Akim Does The akim is the head of the local executive authority and is responsible for administration, implementation of state policy, and management of local affairs within the relevant territory. In everyday life, the akim’s role is highly visible because it directly affects services, infrastructure, and local development. ## Who the akim is\n\nThe akim is the chief local executive official in a region, city, district, or other territorial unit. In practical terms, the akim is one of the most visible state figures in the daily life of citizens.\n\n## Main responsibilities\n\nThe akim is responsible for:\n\n- implementing laws and national policy at the local level\n- managing local administration\n- overseeing infrastructure and utilities\n- coordinating social and economic development\n- ensuring everyday functioning of local public services\n\n## Why this office matters so much\n\nPeople often judge the state not by constitutional theory, but by:\n\n- roads\n- public transport\n- heating and water supply\n- schools and clinics\n- cleanliness and safety of public spaces\n\nMany of these issues are directly connected to the quality of local executive management.\n\n## Relationship with other local institutions\n\nThe akim does not operate alone. Local governance also involves:\n\n- representative bodies such as maslikhats\n- local participation mechanisms\n- administrative and budget procedures\n- interaction with residents and community groups\n\n## Why accountability matters\n\nBecause the akim’s decisions affect people so directly, accountability and transparency at this level are especially important. Even a strong national constitutional design will feel weak to citizens if local administration works poorly.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe akim is the key executive actor of local government, and the quality of this office strongly shapes how citizens experience the state. - The akim is the head of local executive authority\n- The office is responsible for services, infrastructure, and local administration\n- Citizens experience state power very directly through local executive management\n- Accountability at the akim level is crucial for trust in government","section":{"code":"local","title":"Local Government"},"keywords":"local-akim-role faq local Local Government","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":87,"title":"Local Public Administration","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":89,"title":"Akim","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-89"},{"number":90,"title":"Acts of Maslikhats and Akims","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:public-control:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"public-control","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/public-control?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/public-control.md?lang=en","question":"What Public Oversight Means","answer_summary":"Public oversight means that citizens, experts, media, and civil society organizations can monitor public decisions and the way they are implemented. In the new constitutional model, it forms part of democratic participation beyond elections.","content_text":"What Public Oversight Means Public oversight means that citizens, experts, media, and civil society organizations can monitor public decisions and the way they are implemented. In the new constitutional model, it forms part of democratic participation beyond elections. ## Meaning of public oversight\n\nPublic oversight means that citizens do not merely observe the state from outside. They have ways to monitor openness, accountability, and the effectiveness of public action.\n\n## Main forms\n\nPublic oversight can take different forms, including:\n\n- access to open data\n- public hearings\n- expert review and commentary\n- journalistic scrutiny\n- civic monitoring\n- formal requests and complaints\n- petitions and public consultations\n\n## Why it matters\n\nPublic oversight helps to:\n\n- reduce the risk of closed decision-making\n- strengthen anti-corruption safeguards\n- make budget use and program implementation more visible\n- increase public trust in institutions\n\n## Role in the new constitutional model\n\nIn the new model, public oversight is not treated as a slogan but as part of a broader culture of participation. It is meant to:\n\n- strengthen citizen involvement between elections\n- improve the accountability of state bodies\n- expand the role of civil society in public life\n\n## What it requires\n\nFor oversight to be real, not symbolic, several conditions matter:\n\n- information must be open\n- procedures must be understandable\n- responses to public requests must be required\n- consultations must be meaningful rather than purely formal\n\n## Why this matters\n\nElections are foundational, but they are not enough by themselves. Public oversight creates a form of everyday democratic participation. - Public oversight allows citizens and organizations to monitor public decisions\n- Its forms include open data, hearings, monitoring, media scrutiny, and petitions\n- It strengthens transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption safeguards\n- It complements elections with everyday democratic participation","section":{"code":"participation","title":"Civic Participation"},"keywords":"public-control faq participation Civic Participation","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":23,"title":"Access to Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"administrative-procedural-code-petitions","title":"Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000350#z1470","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:petitions:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"petitions","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/petitions?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/petitions.md?lang=en","question":"How Citizen Appeals and Petitions Differ","answer_summary":"Article 35 of the Constitution preserves the right to submit individual and collective appeals. Petitions are governed by Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code: they are a separate process for addressing public and local authorities, not a direct citizen right to introduce bills in the Kurultai.","content_text":"How Citizen Appeals and Petitions Differ Article 35 of the Constitution preserves the right to submit individual and collective appeals. Petitions are governed by Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code: they are a separate process for addressing public and local authorities, not a direct citizen right to introduce bills in the Kurultai. ## What the Constitution guarantees\n\nArticle 35 guarantees the right to submit individual and collective appeals to state bodies and local self-government bodies. This is the basic constitutional guarantee for communicating with public authorities.\n\nArticle 60 separately names the holders of legislative initiative: the President, Kurultai deputies, the Government, and the People's Council. Citizens are not directly included in that list.\n\n## How petitions are governed\n\nThe petition process is established not by a separate constitutional rule, but by **Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code**.\n\n- a draft petition is submitted through a state-designated internet resource or in writing;\n- at least **50 citizens must join within 20 working days** before the draft is made publicly available;\n- after publication, support may be collected for up to six months;\n- the threshold depends on the addressee: **50,000 votes** are required for a matter within a central state body's competence, while different thresholds apply locally;\n- a supported petition is reviewed within **40 working days** at central level and **20 working days** at local level;\n- the final decision must give reasons and be published on the internet resource.\n\n## What should not be confused\n\nA petition may trigger review by the competent authority and a public, reasoned decision. It does not automatically become a bill and does not create a separate citizen right of legislative initiative.\n\n[Administrative Procedural Code, Chapter 12-1: Articles 90-1–90-6](https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/K2000000350#z1470) - The Constitution guarantees individual and collective appeals\n- Articles 90-1–90-6 of the Administrative Procedural Code govern petitions\n- A draft first needs 50 citizens for public placement; later thresholds depend on the addressee\n- A petition is not a direct citizen legislative initiative","section":{"code":"participation","title":"Civic Participation"},"keywords":"petitions faq participation Civic Participation","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":35,"title":"Right to Petition","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"administrative-procedural-code-petitions","title":"Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000350#z1470","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:peoples-council:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"peoples-council","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/peoples-council?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/peoples-council.md?lang=en","question":"What the Kazakhstan People’s Council Is","answer_summary":"The Kazakhstan People’s Council is the highest constitutional consultative body representing the interests of the people. It has 126 members, with 42 drawn from each of three groups – ethnocultural associations, public and other non-profit organisations, and maslikhats and public councils. It may issue recommendations, introduce bills in the Kurultai, and initiate a nationwide vote.","content_text":"What the Kazakhstan People’s Council Is The Kazakhstan People’s Council is the highest constitutional consultative body representing the interests of the people. It has 126 members, with 42 drawn from each of three groups – ethnocultural associations, public and other non-profit organisations, and maslikhats and public councils. It may issue recommendations, introduce bills in the Kurultai, and initiate a nationwide vote. ## Status and purpose\n\nThe Kazakhstan People’s Council is the **highest constitutional consultative body** representing the interests of the people. It participates in shaping and implementing public policy through national dialogue, public consultation, and recommendations.\n\n## Membership\n\nThe law establishes **126 members** in three equal groups:\n\n- 42 from ethnocultural associations;\n- 42 from public associations and other non-profit organisations;\n- 42 from maslikhats and public councils of the capital, regions, and cities of national significance.\n\nThe Secretariat prepares membership proposals, and the President approves the composition. Members serve four-year terms.\n\n## Powers\n\nThe Council may:\n\n- prepare proposals and recommendations on domestic policy;\n- **introduce bills in the Kurultai**;\n- initiate the calling of a republican referendum;\n- hold public forums, consultations, and hearings;\n- exercise public oversight in forms permitted by law.\n\nRecommendations sent to public authorities and officials must be considered, but they do not themselves replace legislation or a decision by the competent authority.\n\n## How it works\n\nThe Session is the highest governing body. An ordinary session is convened as necessary, but **at least once a year**. Its date, venue, and agenda must be announced in the media at least 30 days in advance. The structure also includes the Toralqa (Presidium), and may include committees, commissions, and working groups.\n\n[Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People’s Council](https://adilet.zan.kz/eng/docs/Z2600000298) - 126 members: 42 representatives from each of three groups\n- The President approves the composition; members serve four-year terms\n- The Council has legislative initiative and may initiate a referendum\n- An ordinary session is held at least once a year\n- Recommendations sent to public authorities must be considered","section":{"code":"participation","title":"Civic Participation"},"keywords":"peoples-council faq participation Civic Participation","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":71,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-71"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:civil-society:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"civil-society","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/civil-society?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/civil-society.md?lang=en","question":"What Role Civil Society Plays","answer_summary":"Civil society is the sphere of organizations, communities, experts, initiatives, and associations that exist outside the state but actively influence public life. Under the new constitutional model, civil society gains a stronger role as a channel through which citizens can shape discussion, oversight, and reform.","content_text":"What Role Civil Society Plays Civil society is the sphere of organizations, communities, experts, initiatives, and associations that exist outside the state but actively influence public life. Under the new constitutional model, civil society gains a stronger role as a channel through which citizens can shape discussion, oversight, and reform. ## What civil society is\n\nCivil society is the space of organized public life outside the state itself. It includes actors who do not exercise state power but who influence public debate, protect interests, and help shape policy outcomes.\n\nIt may include:\n- NGOs\n- public associations\n- expert communities\n- rights-protection initiatives\n- volunteer movements\n- local grassroots groups\n\n## Main function\n\nCivil society helps to:\n\n- raise public problems\n- draw attention to neglected issues\n- provide expertise and alternative proposals\n- defend vulnerable groups\n- create feedback for state institutions\n\n## Why it matters in a democracy\n\nIf only the state speaks and everyone else only reacts, decision-making quality declines. Civil society introduces pluralism, criticism, practical experience, and independent perspectives into the public sphere.\n\n## Place in the new constitutional model\n\nThe new constitutional model seeks to make civil society a more visible and effective participant through:\n\n- consultative institutions such as the People’s Council\n- public oversight mechanisms\n- petitions and public discussion procedures\n- rights protection and civic education\n\n## Risk and limitation\n\nThe role of civil society must exist in practice, not only in formal text. If participation is merely decorative or independent voices are marginalized, the value of these institutions is weakened.\n\n## Main idea\n\nA strong civil society is not an enemy of the state. It is both a partner and a watchdog that helps improve public decisions. - Civil society includes NGOs, associations, expert groups, and grassroots initiatives\n- It raises issues, provides expertise, and creates public feedback\n- The new model gives it a stronger role in participation and oversight\n- Strong civil society improves the quality of public decisions","section":{"code":"participation","title":"Civic Participation"},"keywords":"civil-society faq participation Civic Participation","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":6,"title":"Public Associations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-6"},{"number":32,"title":"Freedom of Association","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-32"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-international-treaties:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-international-treaties","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-international-treaties?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-international-treaties.md?lang=en","question":"How the Relationship Between International Treaties and National Laws Will Change","answer_summary":"The relationship between an international treaty and national law depends on the Constitution, the treaty’s legal status and the applicable legislation. For a concrete dispute, read the official text, ratification act and relevant procedure together.","content_text":"How the Relationship Between International Treaties and National Laws Will Change The relationship between an international treaty and national law depends on the Constitution, the treaty’s legal status and the applicable legislation. For a concrete dispute, read the official text, ratification act and relevant procedure together. ## What to check\n\nWhen relying on an international treaty, read the official text, the act that establishes its status for Kazakhstan, the Constitution and the applicable sector-specific law together. The name or general subject of a treaty does not itself decide a concrete case.\n\n## When there appears to be a conflict\n\nThe relationship between the documents is assessed against the specific provision, facts and procedure. A court or other competent body considers the official texts, evidence and its jurisdiction. This page does not predetermine the outcome of a particular dispute or the status of a particular treaty.\n\n## Practical steps\n\n1. Find the official published version of the treaty.\n2. Verify its status for Kazakhstan and the relevant ratification act.\n3. Identify the national-law provision and procedure that apply.\n4. Obtain qualified advice or an explanation from the competent body for a concrete matter. - The official text and legal status of a treaty matter more than its title\n- The Constitution, sector-specific law and procedure shape concrete application\n- A conflict depends on the facts and decision of the competent body\n- Check the official text together with the ratification act","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-international-treaties faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Applicable Law","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":9,"title":"International Treaties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-9"},{"number":44,"title":"Presidential Foreign Relations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-44"},{"number":60,"title":"Ratification of International Treaties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-how-to-discuss:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-how-to-discuss","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-how-to-discuss?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-how-to-discuss.md?lang=en","question":"How to Discuss the Constitution With Family, Friends, or Colleagues","answer_summary":"Discuss the Constitution by focusing on the actual text, before-and-after comparisons, and practical examples rather than slogans or out-of-context excerpts. The goal should be understanding, not winning an argument.","content_text":"How to Discuss the Constitution With Family, Friends, or Colleagues Discuss the Constitution by focusing on the actual text, before-and-after comparisons, and practical examples rather than slogans or out-of-context excerpts. The goal should be understanding, not winning an argument. ## Where to start\n\nConstitutional discussion can quickly become emotional. A better starting point is not “who is right,” but:\n\n- what exactly is changing\n- which article it concerns\n- what the old rule was\n- what the proposed new rule is\n- how that might affect real life\n\n## A useful discussion method\n\nA practical sequence is:\n\n1. Choose one topic, such as rights, power, or referendum procedure.\n2. Read the relevant text or explanatory card.\n3. Compare the old and proposed versions.\n4. Discuss one practical example.\n\n## What to avoid\n\nIt is better to avoid:\n\n- arguing from screenshots alone\n- relying only on emotional slogans\n- making final conclusions without reading the text\n- treating disagreement as hostility\n\n## Why this matters\n\nThe Constitution is a common legal framework for everyone. That is why productive discussion should aim at clearer understanding of the text rather than symbolic political victory.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe best conversation is usually the calmest one: text first, comparison second, interpretation third. - Productive discussion starts with the text and comparison, not slogans\n- One-topic-at-a-time discussion works better than abstract argument\n- Screenshots and fragments are a weak basis for serious conclusions\n- The goal of discussion should be understanding the text","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-how-to-discuss faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":23,"title":"Access to Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"},{"number":32,"title":"Freedom of Association","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-32"},{"number":34,"title":"Peaceful Assembly","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-34"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-what-changes-for-me:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-what-changes-for-me","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-what-changes-for-me?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-what-changes-for-me.md?lang=en","question":"What the New Constitution Changes for an Ordinary Person","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nMany 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.\n\n## Main practical effects\n\nFor an ordinary person, constitutional change may matter in several ways:\n\n- stronger rights guarantees\n- clearer procedural protections\n- more accountability of public institutions\n- better participation mechanisms\n- stronger protection in the digital sphere\n\n## How this appears in everyday life\n\nIn practice, this may affect:\n\n- how personal data is protected\n- what happens if a person is detained\n- how complaints and petitions are handled\n- how transparent government decisions become\n- how local authorities communicate with residents\n\n## Why the effect is indirect but important\n\nA constitution usually works indirectly. It does not replace ordinary policy, but it shapes:\n\n- who has power\n- how that power is limited\n- how rights are defended\n- how citizens can influence public decisions\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe 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\n- Its effects are often indirect but structurally important\n- Daily-life impact includes detention rights, data protection, complaints, and public transparency\n- The Constitution shapes how citizens interact with the state over time","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-what-changes-for-me faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"administrative-procedural-code-petitions","title":"Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000350#z1470","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-how-to-check-information:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-how-to-check-information","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-how-to-check-information?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-how-to-check-information.md?lang=en","question":"How to Check Information About the Constitution","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nConstitutional 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.\n\n## Best sources to use\n\nThe most reliable order of verification is:\n\n1. The full Constitution text.\n2. The official before-and-after comparison table.\n3. Official explanatory materials.\n4. Official publications and competent public bodies.\n\n## Questions to ask when checking a claim\n\nWhen you see a strong claim online, ask:\n\n- Is this really written in the text?\n- Is it a new rule or an old one?\n- Is the quote complete or selective?\n- Is the explanation neutral or one-sided?\n- Does the full article say something broader?\n\n## Common online problem\n\nIn social media, people often:\n\n- quote only one phrase\n- omit the legal context\n- mix fact with emotional interpretation\n- fail to link to the original text\n\n## Practical method\n\nIf a claim seems doubtful:\n- open the full text\n- compare the old and proposed versions\n- look for the official explanation\n- only then draw a conclusion\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe best protection against misinformation is not louder opinion, but direct comparison with the original text and official materials.\n\n→ [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\n- Social-media fragments often distort meaning by removing context\n- Claims should be checked against the original article, not only a quote\n- Direct comparison is the most reliable way to test accuracy","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-how-to-check-information faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Official Publication of Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":23,"title":"Access to Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"},{"number":60,"title":"Legislative Regulation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Laws and Constitutional Laws","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:life-fired-from-job:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"life-fired-from-job","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-fired-from-job?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-fired-from-job.md?lang=en","question":"I Was Fired – What Are My Constitutional Rights","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe Constitution of Kazakhstan directly protects your right to work:\n\n- **Freedom of labour.** No one may compel you to work or deprive you of the right to work without lawful grounds.\n- **Protection against unemployment.** The state is obliged to create conditions for employment and to support citizens who have lost their jobs.\n- **Prohibition of discrimination.** Dismissal on grounds of sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, political beliefs, or social origin violates constitutional rights.\n- **Right to fair remuneration.** The Constitution guarantees pay no lower than the legally established minimum.\n- **Right to social protection.** If you lose your job, you are entitled to unemployment benefit and assistance in finding new employment.\n\n## What to Do if Dismissed Unlawfully\n\n**Step 1. Obtain the dismissal order**\nThe employer is obliged to provide you with a written dismissal order stating the grounds. Keep all documents.\n\n**Step 2. Assess legality**\nThe Labour Code contains a closed list of grounds for dismissal. If you were dismissed without a lawful ground – this is unlawful dismissal.\n\n**Step 3. Where to turn**\n\n- **State Labour Inspectorate** – file a complaint within 10 working days. The inspectorate can oblige the employer to reinstate you.\n- **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.\n- **Human Rights Ombudsman** – if the violation is discriminatory in nature.\n- **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\n- Discriminatory dismissal violates constitutional rights\n- Deadline for filing a claim: 1 month from receipt of the dismissal order\n- Turn to: labour inspectorate, court, or ombudsman\n- The court may reinstate you and award compensation","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"life-fired-from-job faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Human Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":27,"title":"Right to Work","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-27"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:life-start-business:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"life-start-business","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-start-business?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-start-business.md?lang=en","question":"I Want to Start a Business – What Does the Constitution Guarantee","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Before starting\n\nCheck 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.\n\n## If a dispute arises\n\n1. Keep the decision, order, contract, correspondence and proof of the date you received the document.\n2. Identify who made the decision and the legal provision relied upon.\n3. Check any pre-trial procedure and the deadline for a complaint or claim.\n4. Seek specialist help for a licence, property, competition or high-value dispute.\n\nAtameken, 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\n- Sector-specific law and transaction documents determine concrete requirements\n- A dispute turns on the decision, legal basis, evidence and time limit\n- The appropriate body depends on the subject of the dispute","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"life-start-business faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Human Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":8,"title":"Property Guarantees","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-8"},{"number":29,"title":"Private Property","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-29"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-property-and-business:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-property-and-business","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-property-and-business?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-property-and-business.md?lang=en","question":"What the Constitution Says About Property and Business","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe Constitution recognises property, inheritance and freedom of enterprise. It also prohibits unfair competition and monopolistic activity within the limits established by law.\n\nThese provisions set a general legal boundary. Registration, licences, taxes, competition, land and transaction requirements are specified by special legislation.\n\n## If the issue concerns property\n\nCompulsory 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.\n\nKeep 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.\n\n## If the issue concerns business\n\nCheck 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\n- Detailed rules on land, competition and transactions come from special legislation\n- In an alienation case, the legal basis, court procedure, valuation and appeal deadline matter\n- The available remedy depends on the documents and circumstances of the case","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-property-and-business faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":8,"title":"Property","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-8"},{"number":29,"title":"Private Property","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-29"},{"number":30,"title":"Entrepreneurship","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-30"},{"number":40,"title":"Environmental Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-40"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:life-child-school-refused:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"life-child-school-refused","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-child-school-refused?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/life-child-school-refused.md?lang=en","question":"My Child Was Refused Entry to School – What Does the Constitution Say","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\nWhat is guaranteed:\n\n- Every child has the **right to receive secondary education** in public educational institutions free of charge.\n- Education is **compulsory** – the state is obliged to ensure access to it for every child.\n- Refusal of admission to a state school **without a lawful basis** constitutes a violation of constitutional rights.\n\n## What to Do if Refused\n\n**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.\n\n**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.\n\n**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.\n\n**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\n- Refusal of admission without lawful grounds is unlawful\n- Keep the written notice or application status\n- Clarify the reason with the school and education authority first; choose the remedy based on the circumstances\n- Court protection requires checking the stated reason, deadline, and documents","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"life-child-school-refused faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Human Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":33,"title":"Right to Education","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-33"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-education-health:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-education-health","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-education-health?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-education-health.md?lang=en","question":"How the Constitution Protects the Right to Education and Health","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\nIf 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.\n\n## Health\n\nHealth 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.\n\nWhen 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.\n\n## For a concrete case\n\nThe 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\n- Admission, scope of care and quality requirements are specified by special law\n- Preserve written decisions and relevant educational or medical records\n- The complaint route depends on the issue and applicable procedure","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-education-health faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":31,"title":"Health Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-31"},{"number":33,"title":"Education","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-33"},{"number":40,"title":"Environmental Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-40"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-how-to-read:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-how-to-read","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-how-to-read?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-how-to-read.md?lang=en","question":"How to Read Constitutional Changes Correctly","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nTo 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.\n\n## A practical reading order\n\n1. Review the broad historical timeline: 1993, 1995, 2022, 2026.\n2. Compare the current and proposed texts.\n3. Focus on the structure of power: President, Kurultai, Government, Constitutional Court.\n4. Read the rights section separately, especially digital rights and procedural guarantees.\n5. Study participation mechanisms such as petitions, the People’s Council, and public oversight.\n\n## Why historical comparison matters\n\nIf 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.\n\n## Why before-and-after comparison helps\n\nComparative reading lets you see:\n- which institutions remain\n- which are new\n- which powers expand or narrow\n- which rights receive stronger protection\n\n## Practical advice\n\nWhen reading the constitutional text:\n- do not try to absorb everything at once\n- mark the areas most important to you\n- read explanatory cards alongside the formal text\n- use official comparison tables whenever possible\n\n→ [2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) · [1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - Constitutional reform is easier to understand in historical context\n- The key comparison stages are 1993, 1995, 2022, and 2026\n- Before-and-after reading clarifies the logic of change\n- The most important blocks are power, rights, and participation","section":{"code":"history","title":"History"},"keywords":"constitution-how-to-read faq history History","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Direct Effect and Supremacy","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":87,"title":"Local Government","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-87"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-reforms-2022:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-reforms-2022","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-reforms-2022?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-reforms-2022.md?lang=en","question":"What the 2022 Constitutional Reforms Changed","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Main directions\n\nThe 2022 reform process involved:\n- reconsideration of parts of presidential power\n- strengthening of the role of representative institutions\n- renewal of constitutional review mechanisms\n- adjustments to rights-protection structures\n- greater emphasis on accountability and institutional balance\n\n## Why it was a turning point\n\nThese reforms mattered because they showed:\n- that the previous model had structural limits\n- that the state was moving toward gradual institutional recalibration\n- that broader constitutional change was becoming possible\n\n## Link to 2026\n\nThe 2026 constitutional project can be understood as a continuation of the 2022 reforms, but on a broader and more systemic level.\n\nIf 2022 was:\n- the beginning of constitutional rebalancing,\n\nthen 2026 is presented as:\n- deeper redesign of the architecture of power,\n- stronger participation mechanisms,\n- and wider constitutional guarantees.\n\n## Why this stage matters\n\nIt 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\n- They strengthened accountability and institutional recalibration\n- They served as a precursor to the 2026 constitutional project\n- 2026 can be read as a deeper continuation of the 2022 shift","section":{"code":"history","title":"History"},"keywords":"constitution-reforms-2022 faq history History","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":85,"title":"Human Rights Commissioner","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-85"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-history-1993:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-history-1993","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-1993?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-1993.md?lang=en","question":"What the 1993 Constitution Was","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nAfter 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.\n\nIt:\n- affirmed sovereignty\n- laid the foundations of a national legal order\n- established basic rights and freedoms\n- defined the first structure of state institutions\n\n## Why it was a transition document\n\nThe 1993 Constitution reflected a period of transformation. Kazakhstan was moving away from the Soviet system, but many institutional ideas were still in formation.\n\nIts main features included:\n- a transition-era political design\n- incomplete clarification of relations between branches of power\n- institutional experimentation typical of a new state\n- a constitutional model that had not yet fully stabilized\n\n## Why it did not remain in force for long\n\nThe 1993 Constitution played an important role, but practice soon showed its limits:\n\n- the balance of powers was not yet fully settled\n- state-governance mechanisms required greater clarity\n- political and economic changes demanded a more stable institutional design\n\nThese factors contributed to the need for a new constitutional framework in 1995.\n\n## Its legacy\n\nThe 1993 Constitution remains historically important because it:\n- marked the beginning of independent constitutional statehood\n- opened the first stage of Kazakhstan’s constitutional development\n- prepared the ground for the 1995 Constitution\n\nIt 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\n- It was the first Constitution of independent Kazakhstan\n- It was a transition-era constitutional document\n- It laid the foundation for the 1995 constitutional model","section":{"code":"history","title":"History"},"keywords":"constitution-history-1993 faq history History","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"State Foundations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Constitution and Applicable Law","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-history-path-to-2026:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-history-path-to-2026","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-path-to-2026?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-path-to-2026.md?lang=en","question":"How Kazakhstan Reached the 2026 Constitution","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 2026 Constitution is better understood not as a one-time political event, but as part of Kazakhstan’s longer constitutional evolution.\n\nKey milestones in that path include:\n- **1991** – independence\n- **1993** – the first Constitution\n- **1995** – the constitutional framework of the current state system\n- **1998, 2007, 2011, 2017, 2022** – major reform stages\n- **2025–2026** – drafting, discussion, and referendum (the referendum was held on 15 March)\n\n## What this evolution showed\n\nOver more than three decades, Kazakhstan:\n- consolidated statehood\n- developed institutions of power\n- built its legal system\n- adapted to changing social and political realities\n\nBut over time, new questions became harder to ignore:\n- balance of power\n- digital-era rights\n- citizen participation in decision-making\n- parliamentary effectiveness\n- continuity and accountability\n\n## Why the 2026 Constitution was proposed\n\nThe 2026 Constitution is not a cosmetic amendment, but as a deeper reconsideration of several major areas:\n\n- replacing bicameral parliament with the Kurultai\n- creating the office of Vice President\n- constitutionalizing digital rights\n- expanding mechanisms of participation and public oversight\n\n## Role of 1995 and 2022\n\nThe 1995 Constitution provided stability.  \nThe 2022 reforms opened the path toward rebalancing.  \nThe 2026 Constitution combines those two experiences and marks a new stage of development.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe 2026 Constitution is not a rejection of the past. It is the next step in the constitutional development of independent Kazakhstan.\n\n→ [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\n- Key stages include 1991, 1993, 1995, 2022, and 2026\n- The project revisits power, rights, and participation mechanisms\n- It is framed as the next step rather than a denial of previous constitutional history","section":{"code":"history","title":"History"},"keywords":"constitution-history-path-to-2026 faq history History","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Provisions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Legislation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament.md?lang=en","question":"“The People's Council replaces Parliament”","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"“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\n“The People's Council will become the new parliament and replace the Kurultai.”\n\n## Fact\nThe People's Council is a **consultative body**, not a legislative parliament.\n\n## What It Can Do\n- put forward **initiatives**\n- raise issues for political discussion\n- represent public and regional interests\n\n## What It Cannot Do\n- **pass laws**\n- replace the vote of deputies\n- automatically trigger binding decisions\n\n## Who Passes Laws\nLaws are adopted **only by the Kurultai** as the parliamentary body.\n\n## Why the Distinction Matters\nIf 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.","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myth-halyk-kenesi-replaces-parliament faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis.md?lang=en","question":"“The Kurultai is just the Mazhilis under a new name”","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"“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\n“The Kurultai is just the Mazhilis with a new label.”\n\n## Fact\nThe new model changes not the signboard, but **the entire parliamentary architecture**.\n\n## What Changes in Substance\n- The **Senate is abolished** – the bicameral model disappears.\n- **Presidential appointments are removed** – there are no more appointed Senate seats.\n- The **election system changes** – the Kurultai is formed under a new model.\n- The **threshold rises** from **5% to 7%**.\n- Women, young people, and persons with disabilities must jointly make up **at least 30% of a party list**.\n\n## Why the Myth Appears\nFrom 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.\n\n## Conclusion\nThe Kurultai is not “the same Mazhilis,” but a new constitutional model of parliament.","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myth-kurultai-same-as-mazhilis faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-current-stage","title":"Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10290","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myths-constitution-doesnt-work:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myths-constitution-doesnt-work","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-constitution-doesnt-work?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-constitution-doesnt-work.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: 'The Constitution Doesn't Work Anyway, So What's Written in It Doesn't Matter'","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n\"The Constitution doesn't work anyway. It doesn't matter what's written in it – in practice, officials decide everything.\"\n\n## The facts\n\nThe Constitution is not a magic button. It works through specific mechanisms:\n\n- **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.\n- **Courts of general jurisdiction** – apply constitutional provisions directly in specific cases\n- **Prosecutor's Office** – supervises compliance with the law\n- **Ombudsman** – considers complaints about the actions of state bodies\n\n**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.\"\n\n## Why it seems not to work\n\nThree reasons:\n\n1. **People do not use the tools.** Many do not know that an application to the CC is free and does not require a lawyer\n2. **Media do not cover CC decisions** – they do not make headlines the way scandals do\n3. **Results are not immediate.** The legal system works slowly – but systematically. Each CC decision creates a precedent\n\n## An analogy\n\nSaying \"the Constitution doesn't work\" is like saying \"medicine doesn't work\" without ever seeing a doctor. The tool works when people use it.\n\n## Why this myth exists\n\nYears 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)\n- Several provisions have been found unconstitutional and lost their force – for everyone, not just for the applicant\n- Four protection mechanisms: Constitutional Court, courts, Prosecutor's Office, Ombudsman\n- A lawyer is recommended for CC applications but is not required","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myths-constitution-doesnt-work faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Supremacy of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":79,"title":"Judicial Referral to the Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-79"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-interpretation-89","title":"Constitutional Court ruling No. 89-NP of July 7, 2026","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/1038621?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_court_decision","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myth-constitution-solves-everything:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myth-constitution-solves-everything","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-constitution-solves-everything?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-constitution-solves-everything.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: “The new Constitution will improve life immediately”","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n“Once the Constitution is adopted, life will improve right away.”\n\n## Fact\nA Constitution sets the legal frame and direction, but it does not turn a norm into everyday reality overnight.\n\n## Why\n- The Constitution introduced **digital rights**, but the detailed implementation rules still have to be adopted by **Parliament**.\n- 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.\n- Even a strong constitutional norm becomes real only when courts, public bodies, and citizens actively apply it.\n\n## Historical Pattern\nThe 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.\n\n## What Matters for Citizens\nThe Constitution opens possibilities, but the outcome depends on how consistently society, courts, and parliament make use of them.","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myth-constitution-solves-everything faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Supremacy of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myths-rights-vs-duties:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myths-rights-vs-duties","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-rights-vs-duties?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-rights-vs-duties.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: 'The Constitution Is All About Rights and Nobody Mentions Duties'","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n\"Everyone just demands rights, and duties have been forgotten. The Constitution is about 'what I'm owed.'\"\n\n## The facts\n\nThe 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.\n\n**Specific duties:**\n- Observe the Constitution and laws\n- Pay taxes and levies\n- Defend the Republic of Kazakhstan\n- Care for children (maintain and raise them)\n- Care for incapacitated parents\n- Protect nature and the environment\n- Respect the rights and freedoms of others\n- Complete secondary education – an obligation, not only a right\n\n**How rights and duties are connected:**\n\n| Your right | Related duty | How it works |\n|---|---|---|\n| Free education | Pay taxes | Schools are funded from your taxes |\n| Security | Defend the country | The army and police are a collective effort |\n| A healthy environment | Protect nature | Clean air is the result of shared responsibility |\n| Social protection | Pay taxes | Pensions and benefits come from tax revenue |\n\n**Breaching duties is not abstract:**\n- Non-payment of taxes → administrative or criminal liability\n- Evasion of military service → liability under the law\n- Failure to pay child support → enforcement through the courts\n\n## Why this myth exists\n\nThe 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\n- Specific duties: taxes, defence, children, parents, environment, laws\n- Breaching duties brings real consequences (fines, courts, criminal proceedings)\n- The 2026 Constitution retains all duties and strengthens the environmental one","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myths-rights-vs-duties faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Human Rights and Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":36,"title":"Compliance with the Constitution and Laws","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-36"},{"number":37,"title":"Taxes and Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-37"},{"number":38,"title":"Defence of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-38"},{"number":39,"title":"Family Duties","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-39"},{"number":40,"title":"Environmental Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-40"},{"number":41,"title":"Limits on Rights Restrictions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-41"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myth-any-constitution-good:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myth-any-constitution-good","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-any-constitution-good?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myth-any-constitution-good.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: “Any Constitution is good simply because it is a Constitution”","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\n## What makes a constitution good\n\nA constitution should be judged by whether it:\n\n- limits state power\n- protects rights and freedoms\n- creates real checks and balances\n- provides workable institutions\n- can be enforced in practice\n\n## What makes a constitution weak\n\nA constitution may look impressive on paper and still fail if:\n\n- rights exist only formally\n- oversight institutions are weak\n- power is too concentrated\n- procedures are unclear\n- constitutional rules are ignored in practice\n\n## Why implementation matters\n\nEven a well-written constitution can disappoint if institutions do not follow it. A constitution is not only text. It is also:\n\n- courts\n- oversight bodies\n- political culture\n- administrative practice\n\n## Main idea\n\nA 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\n- A strong constitution limits power and protects rights\n- Weak implementation can undermine even a well-written text\n- The real test is content, safeguards, and practice","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myth-any-constitution-good faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Supremacy of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":41,"title":"Limits on Rights Restrictions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-41"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myths-law-vs-constitution:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myths-law-vs-constitution","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-law-vs-constitution?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-law-vs-constitution.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: 'If the Law Says So, the Constitution Doesn't Matter'","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n\"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?\"\n\n## The facts\n\nThe Constitution stands above any law. This is the principle of **supremacy**.\n\n**The hierarchy is simple:**\n1. **Constitution** – the supreme legal act\n2. **Constitutional laws** – subordinate to the Constitution\n3. **Ordinary laws** – subordinate to both the Constitution and constitutional laws\n4. **Decrees, resolutions, orders** – subordinate to everything above\n\nIf an ordinary law contradicts the Constitution, it **has no legal force**.\n\n**How this works:**\n1. Parliament adopts a law\n2. The law contains a provision that violates a constitutional right\n3. A citizen applies to the Constitutional Court (free of charge, via eGov)\n4. The CC reviews the law\n5. If the contradiction is confirmed, the provision loses its force **for all citizens**, not only for the applicant\n\n**Three real-life situations:**\n- An official says: \"I am entitled to do this under the law\" → if the law contradicts the Constitution, he is not\n- An employer cites an internal order → an order ranks below the Constitution\n- A police officer cites an instruction → the instruction ranks below the law, and the law ranks below the Constitution\n\n**What to do:**\n- In court – cite the specific article of the Constitution directly\n- At the CC – ask it to review the constitutionality of the law (free of charge, no lawyer required)\n- At the Prosecutor's Office – report the application of an unconstitutional provision\n\n## Why this myth exists\n\nDecades 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\n- An unconstitutional law loses its force after a CC ruling – for all citizens\n- CC applications are free, submitted via eGov; no lawyer required\n- The Constitutional Court has been operating since 2023 and has already struck down unconstitutional provisions","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myths-law-vs-constitution faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Applicable Law and Constitutional Supremacy","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":60,"title":"Subjects of Legislative Regulation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Laws and Constitutional Laws","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":90,"title":"Local Normative Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-90"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:law-on-kurultai:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"law-on-kurultai","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-kurultai?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-kurultai.md?lang=en","question":"Law on the Kurultai – building a new parliament from scratch","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n✅ **Signed on June 5, 2026** and published as a separate constitutional law.\n\n## What Is Already Fixed\n- The Kurultai is a **unicameral** parliament.\n- It consists of **145 deputies**.\n- The basis of formation is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.\n- The term of office for deputies is **5 years**.\n\n## What Happens Next\n- The Constitution entered into force on **July 1, 2026**.\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the presidential decree calling the first elections was signed.\n- The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.\n- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026.\n\n## What This Changes Compared with the Former Model\n| Parameter | Parliament (1995) | Kurultai (2026) |\n|---|---|---|\n| Chambers | 2 (Mazhilis + Senate) | 1 |\n| Deputies | 98 + 49 = 147 | 145 |\n| Formation | Separate chamber procedures | Unified national model |\n\n## Source\nOfficial publication announcing the signing of the law – Akorda website, June 5, 2026.","section":{"code":"constitutional_laws","title":"Constitutional Laws"},"keywords":"law-on-kurultai faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"},{"number":55,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-55"},{"number":56,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-56"},{"number":57,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-57"},{"number":58,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":59,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-59"},{"number":60,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":62,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-62"},{"number":95,"title":"First Kurultai Election","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":{"state":"scheduled","verified_at":"2026-07-15","status_date":"2026-08-23","status_date_label":"Election on 23 August 2026","summary":"The legal model for the Kurultai is established and its first election is scheduled for 23 August 2026.","next_step":"Track the election result, formation of the Kurultai, and the start of its work.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","election-commission-portal"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:law-on-constitutional-court:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"law-on-constitutional-court","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-constitutional-court?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-constitutional-court.md?lang=en","question":"Law on the Constitutional Court – what changes?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n✅ **In force** – the updated law on the Constitutional Court has been in force since July 1, 2026\n\n## Current State\nThe 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.\n\n## What the New Constitution Changes\n\n### Composition\n| Parameter | Was | Now |\n|---|---|---|\n| Number of judges | 11 (Chair + 10) | 10 (appointed by President) |\n| Term | 6 years | 8 years |\n| Who appoints | 4 President, 4 Senate, 2 Mazhilis | All 10 – President with Kurultai consent |\n\n### Powers\n- Resolving disputes about elections and referendums\n- Reviewing constitutionality of laws before presidential signature\n- Interpreting constitutional norms\n- Reviewing citizen appeals (preserved)\n\n### New\n- Presidential voluntary resignation is filed through the Constitutional Court\n- Enhanced role in presidential impeachment\n\n## Related Constitution Articles\nSection VI: Art. 71–76 of the new Constitution","section":{"code":"constitutional_laws","title":"Constitutional Laws"},"keywords":"law-on-constitutional-court faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":73,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":74,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-74"},{"number":75,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-75"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-interpretation-89","title":"Constitutional Court ruling No. 89-NP of July 7, 2026","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/1038621?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_court_decision","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":{"state":"in_force","verified_at":"2026-07-15","status_date":"2026-07-01","status_date_label":"Current model","summary":"The Constitutional Court operates and has accepted citizen applications since 1 January 2023; the new Constitution preserves this mechanism.","next_step":"Monitor new Court decisions and application of the 2026 Constitution.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","constitutional-court-law"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:halyk-kenesi-how-formed:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"halyk-kenesi-how-formed","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/halyk-kenesi-how-formed?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/halyk-kenesi-how-formed.md?lang=en","question":"How is the People's Council formed?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nThe People's Council includes **126 members** divided into three equal groups of **42 each**:\n- representatives of **ethnocultural associations**\n- representatives of **NGOs, professional associations, and civil society**\n- representatives of **maslikhats and regional public councils**\n\n## How It Is Formed\n- First, candidates are **nominated by the relevant bodies**\n- Then the final composition is **approved by the President**\nIt is not an elected parliamentary body, but a **consultative and nominative** constitutional institution.\n\n## Powers\n- the **right of legislative initiative** in the Kurultai\n- the **right to initiate a referendum**\n- sessions held **at least once a year**\n\n## How It Differs from the Assembly of the People of Kazakhstan\nThe 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.\n\n## Term and Launch\n- members serve **4-year terms**\n- 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","section":{"code":"kurultai_elections","title":"Kurultai Elections"},"keywords":"halyk-kenesi-how-formed faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":71,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-71"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:vice-president-when:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"vice-president-when","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president-when?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president-when.md?lang=en","question":"When will the Vice President appear and what is the role?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nUnder 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.\n\n## New Succession Order\n1. **Vice President** – first in line\n2. Chair of the Kurultai – if the Vice President cannot assume the powers\n3. Prime Minister – next in the order of substitution\n\n## How the Office is Filled\n- The Vice President is appointed by the **President**.\n- The appointment requires the **consent of the Kurultai**.\n- Exact qualification details should be checked against the final text of the signed law on the President and the official publication.\n\n## When the Institution Can Fully Start\n- The constitutional norm begins to operate on **July 1, 2026**.\n- 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.\n\n## Fact\nThe Vice President institution existed in Kazakhstan in 1991–1995. The first and only Vice President was Erik Asanbayev.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"vice-president-when faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":50,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-50"},{"number":51,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-51"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:transition-new-institutions:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"transition-new-institutions","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-new-institutions?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-new-institutions.md?lang=en","question":"Which New Institutions Come Next","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n### 1. Vice President\n\nThis 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.\n\n### 2. Kazakhstan People's Council\n\nThis 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.\n\n### 3. Constitutional Court: the Mechanism Has Operated Since 2023\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Why It Matters Not to Merge These Timelines\n\nNot 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\n- The Vice President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai\n- The Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council was created on July 2; no first-session date has yet been published\n- The new institutions launch on different timelines rather than all at once\n- The formation of the Kurultai remains the key intermediate stage","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"transition-new-institutions faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":71,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-71"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"constitutional-court-citizen-access","statement":"Citizens have been able to apply to the Constitutional Court since 1 January 2023; this mechanism did not first open on 1 July 2026.","status":"continued","valid_from":"2023-01-01","article_refs":["72.3 (1995)","73.3 (2026)"],"source_ids":["constitutional-court-law","constitution-2026-official"]}],"implementation_status":{"state":"partially_in_force","verified_at":"2026-07-16","status_date":"2026-08-23","status_date_label":"Next confirmed date – 23 August 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.","next_step":"First come the Kurultai election and formation; later decisions depend on separate official acts.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","constitutional-court-law","halyk-council-law-2026","halyk-council-secretariat-decree","election-commission-portal"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:transition-kurultai-elections:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"transition-kurultai-elections","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-kurultai-elections?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-kurultai-elections.md?lang=en","question":"When Will Kurultai Elections Be Held","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nAfter 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**.\n\n## What the Kurultai Will Be\n\n- It is a **unicameral** supreme representative body.\n- It consists of **145 deputies**.\n- Its basic model is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.\n- The term of office for deputies is **5 years**.\n\n## What Still Needs to Appear\n\n- The exact election date, if it is published separately in an official decree text or the CEC calendar.\n- The CEC calendar.\n- Practical rules for registration and campaigning.\n\n## What Happens to the Current Parliament\n\nParliament 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.\n\n## What Happens After the Elections\n\nOnce 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\n- On July 1, 2026, the presidential decree calling the elections was signed\n- The Kurultai is a unicameral body of 145 deputies\n- Its basis is proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency\n- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"transition-kurultai-elections faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"},{"number":55,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-55"},{"number":56,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-56"},{"number":57,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-57"},{"number":58,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":59,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-59"},{"number":60,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":62,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-62"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitutional-laws-june-2026:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitutional-laws-june-2026","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-laws-june-2026?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-laws-june-2026.md?lang=en","question":"What constitutional laws were signed on June 5, 2026?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nOn June 5, 2026, the President signed **four constitutional laws**. They enter into force together with the Constitution on **July 1, 2026**.\n\n## 1. Law on the President\nIt:\n- introduces the **office of Vice President**\n- fixes candidate requirements\n- describes the appointment procedure\n- defines powers in force-majeure situations\n\n## 2. Law on the Kurultai\nIt fixes:\n- **145 deputies**\n- a **single nationwide constituency**\n- a **proportional system**\n- a **7% threshold**\n- an aggregate quota of **at least 30% for women, young people, and persons with disabilities**\n- the structure: **Chair, deputies, committees**\n- a **5-year** term of office\n\n## 3. Law on the Constitutional Court\n[More: /p/law-on-constitutional-court?lang=en]\nIt preserves and clarifies the Constitutional Court model:\n- citizens have been able to apply **directly since January 1, 2023**\n- filing is **free of charge**\n- the updated institutional model has applied since **July 1, 2026**\n\n## 4. Law on the People's Council\nIt introduces:\n- **126 members** under the **42 + 42 + 42** formula\n- the status of a **supreme consultative body**\n- the **right of legislative initiative**\n- **4-year** terms for members\n\n## Why This Matters\nThese 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.\n\n## Where to Read the Texts\nThe official texts are published on **adilet.zan.kz**.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"constitutional-laws-june-2026 faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":70,"title":"People's Council","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-70"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:transition-period-overview:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"transition-period-overview","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-period-overview?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-period-overview.md?lang=en","question":"What Happens During the Transition Period","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nAfter 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.\n\n## What Remained in Force Until July 1\n\n- The 1995 Constitution remained in force until **July 1, 2026**.\n- 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.\n- Citizens were not left in a legal vacuum: the older norms continued to apply until replacement.\n\n## What Has Already Been Completed During the Transition\n\n- On **June 5, 2026**, the signed constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were published.\n- Part of the transition work was completed even before the Constitution formally entered into force.\n\n## What Was Completed by July 1\n\n- The launch of new procedures was prepared organisationally.\n- On July 1, 2026, the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed.\n- Subordinate acts for rights and institutions requiring administrative implementation continue to be updated.\n\n## Key Dates\n\n- **March 15, 2026** – referendum and adoption of the new Constitution\n- **June 5, 2026** – key constitutional laws signed\n- **July 1, 2026** – Constitution entered into force\n- **August 23, 2026** – Kurultai deputy elections\n- **July 2, 2026** – Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council created; no first-session date has yet been published\n\n## Why This Stage Matters\n\nThe 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\n- The 1995 Constitution remained in force until July 1, 2026\n- Key constitutional laws were already signed on June 5, 2026\n- On July 1, 2026, the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed\n- August 23, 2026 is the scheduled voting date; no first-session date for the Kazakhstan People's Council has yet been published","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"transition-period-overview faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"Constitutional Foundations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transition to New Institutions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Legislation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":{"state":"in_progress","verified_at":"2026-07-16","status_date":"2026-08-23","status_date_label":"Next stage – 23 August 2026","summary":"The transition continues after the Constitution entered into force; the next confirmed stage is the Kurultai election.","next_step":"Monitor official acts on formation of the Kurultai, the Vice President, and the Halyk Council.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","halyk-council-secretariat-decree","kurultai-election-decree","election-commission-portal"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitutional-court-term-counting-july-2026:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitutional-court-term-counting-july-2026","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-court-term-counting-july-2026?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitutional-court-term-counting-july-2026.md?lang=en","question":"How are office terms counted after the new Constitution entered into force?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nIn 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.\n- Terms and appointments under the 1995 Constitution do not automatically count as a first term for limits under the 2026 Constitution.\n- Prior service in the relevant office does not itself create a constitutional bar to election or appointment after July 1, 2026.\n- An election or appointment after the new Constitution entered into force is treated as the first for applying the new limits.\n## Who the Interpretation Covers\nThe 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.\n## What the Ruling Does Not Do\nIt 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.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"constitutional-court-term-counting-july-2026 faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":43,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":83,"title":"Supreme Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-83"},{"number":84,"title":"Prosecutor's Office","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-84"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-interpretation-89","title":"Constitutional Court ruling No. 89-NP of July 7, 2026","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/1038621?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_court_decision","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:kurultai-vs-mazhilis:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"kurultai-vs-mazhilis","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-vs-mazhilis?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-vs-mazhilis.md?lang=en","question":"How is the Kurultai different from the Mazhilis and the Senate?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nThe old parliamentary model had two chambers:\n- **Mazhilis** – 98 deputies\n- **Senate** – 49 senators\nTotal – **147 seats**.\n\nIn addition:\n- **9 Mazhilis deputies** were elected from single-member constituencies.\n- **13 senators** were appointed by the President.\n\n## What Changes Now\nThe Kurultai becomes a **unicameral** parliament:\n- **145 deputies**\n- All elected through **proportional representation**\n- A **single nationwide constituency**\n- A **7% threshold**\n- Women, young people, and persons with disabilities jointly make up **at least 30% of a party list**\n\n## Comparison at a Glance\n| Parameter | Mazhilis + Senate | Kurultai |\n|---|---|---|\n| Structure | Bicameral | Unicameral |\n| Seats | 98 + 49 = 147 | 145 |\n| Single-member seats | 9 | – |\n| Presidential appointments | 13 (Senate) | – |\n| Threshold | 5% | 7% |\n| Party-list quota | Different rules under the former model | At least 30% jointly for women, young people, and persons with disabilities |\n\n## Practical Meaning\nThe new model removes duplication between the two chambers, makes the parliamentary architecture more direct, and raises the threshold for parties entering parliament.","section":{"code":"kurultai_elections","title":"Kurultai Elections"},"keywords":"kurultai-vs-mazhilis faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Structure and Elections of the Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Structure and Elections of the Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Structure and Elections of the Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-current-stage","title":"Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10290","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:law-on-president:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"law-on-president","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-president?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/law-on-president.md?lang=en","question":"Law on the President – what changes?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n✅ **Signed on June 5, 2026** and published in the official legal acts section.\n\n## What Is Already Fixed\n- The office of the **Vice President** is introduced.\n- The Vice President is appointed by the **President with the consent of the Kurultai**.\n- The new order of succession puts the Vice President first in line to assume presidential powers.\n\n## What This Changes in Practice\n| Priority | Was (1995) | Now (2026) |\n|---|---|---|\n| 1 | Chair of the Senate | Vice President |\n| 2 | Chair of the Mazhilis | Chair of the Kurultai |\n| 3 | Prime Minister | Prime Minister |\n\n## What Still Depends on the Next Step\n- The norm itself starts operating together with the Constitution on **July 1, 2026**.\n- The actual appointment of the Vice President depends on the formation of the Kurultai and its consent to the nominee.\n- Organisational and procedural details may be clarified in later official publications and related acts.\n\n## Source\nOfficial publication announcing the signing of the law – Akorda website, June 5, 2026.","section":{"code":"constitutional_laws","title":"Constitutional Laws"},"keywords":"law-on-president faq constitutional_laws Constitutional Laws","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":42,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":43,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":44,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-44"},{"number":45,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-45"},{"number":46,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-46"},{"number":47,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-47"},{"number":48,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-48"},{"number":49,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":50,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-50"},{"number":51,"title":"President and Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-51"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":{"state":"in_force","verified_at":"2026-07-15","status_date":"2026-07-01","status_date_label":"Since 1 July 2026","summary":"The constitutional model is in force; the Vice President provision becomes operational after the Kurultai is formed.","next_step":"Track formation of the Kurultai and the official decision on a Vice President nominee.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","akorda-constitutional-documents"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:vice-president-new-institution:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"vice-president-new-institution","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president-new-institution?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/vice-president-new-institution.md?lang=en","question":"When will the Vice President appear and how is the office filled?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nThe Vice President is introduced to support **continuity of power** and **coordination between branches of government**.\n\n## Candidate Requirements\nUnder the new model, the candidate must:\n- be a **citizen of Kazakhstan by birth**\n- be **at least 40 years old**\n- have **fluent command of the state language**\n- hold a **higher education degree**\n- have lived in Kazakhstan for **at least 15 years**\n- not be a deputy, not belong to a political party, and not conduct business\n\n## How the Appointment Works\n1. The **President nominates** a candidate\n2. The **Kurultai approves** the nomination by majority vote\n\n## What Happens in a Force-Majeure Situation\nIf presidential powers end early, the Vice President temporarily acts as President.\nThe Kurultai must then call **extraordinary elections within 7 days**.\n\n## When the First Appointment Is Expected\nA 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**.","section":{"code":"kurultai_elections","title":"Kurultai Elections"},"keywords":"vice-president-new-institution faq kurultai_elections Kurultai Elections","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":49,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-49"},{"number":50,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-50"},{"number":51,"title":"Vice President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-51"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:kurultai-election-2026:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"kurultai-election-2026","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-election-2026?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-election-2026.md?lang=en","question":"What We Already Know About the 2026 Kurultai Elections","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n- The Constitution entered into force on **July 1, 2026**.\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the **presidential decree** calling the first Kurultai elections was signed.\n- The voting date is **August 23, 2026**.\n\n## What Is Already Known about the Kurultai\n- It is a **unicameral** supreme representative body.\n- It will consist of **145 deputies**.\n- Its basis is **proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency**.\n- Deputies will serve **5-year** terms.\n\n## Current Campaign Stage\n- Nomination closed on **July 13** with lists submitted by **seven political parties**.\n- Party-list registration continues until **18:00 on July 23**.\n- Campaigning starts after 18:00 on July 23 and ends at 00:00 on August 22.\n- Voters can check the electoral register from **August 7**; absentee certificates are issued from August 7 until 18:00 on August 22.\n\n## Timeline\n- **March 15, 2026** – referendum on the new Constitution\n- **June 5, 2026** – laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council are signed\n- **July 1, 2026** – Constitution entered into force\n- **August 23, 2026** – Kurultai deputy elections\n- **August 7, 2026** – voter-list inspection begins\n\n## Why This Matters\nThis 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.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"kurultai-election-2026 faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"},{"number":55,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-55"},{"number":56,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-56"},{"number":57,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-57"},{"number":58,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":59,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-59"},{"number":60,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":62,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-62"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-current-stage","title":"Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10290","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:when-new-laws-take-effect:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"when-new-laws-take-effect","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/when-new-laws-take-effect?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/when-new-laws-take-effect.md?lang=en","question":"When did the new constitutional laws take effect?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n### 1. Already Signed\n- On **June 5, 2026**, the constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were signed and published.\n- The core rules for these institutions are already fixed in official texts.\n\n### 2. Fixed and Already in Force\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the Constitution itself entered into force.\n- From that date, the new constitutional guarantees begin to operate and the main institutional framework changes.\n\n### 3. Still Requiring the Next Act or Organisational Step\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the decree calling Kurultai elections.\n- Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.\n- The appointment of the Vice President and the full start of parliamentary procedures depend on the formation of the Kurultai.\n- 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.\n\n## What Happens to Older Laws\nLaws 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.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"when-new-laws-take-effect faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Official Publication of Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":61,"title":"Entry into Force of Laws","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":96,"title":"Application of Existing Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000298","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:transition-what-changes-july:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"transition-what-changes-july","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-what-changes-july?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/transition-what-changes-july.md?lang=en","question":"What Changed on July 1, 2026","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nSince July 1, 2026, Kazakhstan's new Constitution has been fully in force. Here is what has already changed for every citizen.\n\n### Guarantees with New Constitutional Wording\n\n**Digital rights (for the first time at the constitutional level):**\n- Personal-data protection received explicit constitutional wording. The specific legal grounds for processing, deletion, and remedies remain governed by legislation.\n- Confidentiality of digital communications expressly covers messenger correspondence and email. Confidentiality of correspondence and other communications was also protected by the previous Constitution.\n- 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.”\n\n**Rights upon detention:**\n- Maximum detention period without a court decision: **48 hours** (previously 72 hours).\n- The duty to explain rights upon detention received explicit constitutional status. Procedural rights to an explanation and legal counsel existed before 2026.\n- Right of immediate access to a lawyer from the moment of detention.\n- Right to notify relatives of detention.\n\n**Appeals and petitions:**\n- 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.\n\n**Guarantees that Continue:**\n- 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.\n\n### Constitutional Court\n\nCitizens 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.\n\n### What Does Not Change Immediately\n\n- The Kurultai is formed after the election scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.\n- 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.\n- 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.\n\n### Summary Table: Before and After July 1, 2026\n\n| Right / Norm | Before July 1, 2026 | From July 1, 2026 |\n|---|---|---|\n| Detention without court | 72 hours | 48 hours |\n| Explanation of rights upon detention | Already provided by procedural law | Receives explicit constitutional status |\n| Correspondence and private life | Constitutional protection already existed | Personal data and the use of digital technologies are named expressly |\n| Citizen application to the Court | Mechanism in force since January 1, 2023 | Mechanism preserved and clarified |\n| Appeals and petitions | General right of appeal already existed | The right of appeal continues; petitions remain governed by the Administrative Procedural Code |\n| 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\n- Explanation of rights upon detention receives explicit constitutional status\n- Digital rights: personal data and communications using digital technologies are named expressly; biometric data remain regulated by statute\n- Citizen applications to the Constitutional Court have been available since January 1, 2023\n- The right of appeal continues; petitions are governed by Chapter 12-1 of the Administrative Procedural Code, not by a separate constitutional mechanism","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"transition-what-changes-july faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"Constitutional Foundations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":12,"title":"Human Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[{"id":"constitutional-court-citizen-access","statement":"Citizens' access to the Constitutional Court has operated since 1 January 2023.","status":"continued","valid_from":"2023-01-01","article_refs":["72.3 (1995)","73.3 (2026)"],"source_ids":["constitutional-court-law","constitution-2026-official"]},{"id":"digital-rights-explicit-wording","statement":"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.","status":"clarified","valid_from":"2026-07-01","article_refs":["21"],"source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","constitution-1995-gov-archive"]}],"implementation_status":{"state":"in_force","verified_at":"2026-07-15","status_date":"2026-07-01","status_date_label":"In force since 1 July 2026","summary":"The new Constitution is in force; its new rights language applies, while access to the Constitutional Court continues under the existing procedure.","next_step":"Track implementation practice and the acts that bring new institutions into operation.","source_ids":["constitution-2026-official","constitutional-court-law","akorda-constitutional-documents"]}}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:kurultai-how-formed:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"kurultai-how-formed","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-how-formed?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/kurultai-how-formed.md?lang=en","question":"How will the Kurultai be formed?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nUnder 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.\n\n## How it is formed\n- **145 deputies** are elected for **5 years**.\n- The legal model was fixed in the law on the Kurultai signed on **June 5, 2026**.\n- The constitutional framework describes proportional representation in a **single nationwide constituency**.\n\n## When it starts working\n- The transition period runs until **July 1, 2026**.\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the **decree calling the elections**.\n- The first Kurultai elections are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.\n- Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1, 2026 under Article 95 of the Constitution.\n\n## What this changes\n- Key parliamentary procedures are concentrated in one body.\n- The Kurultai gives consent to a number of major appointments, including the appointment of the Vice President.\n- Once it is formed, the next institutional cycle of the new Constitution begins.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"kurultai-how-formed faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":53,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-53"},{"number":54,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-54"},{"number":55,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-55"},{"number":56,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-56"},{"number":57,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-57"},{"number":58,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-58"},{"number":59,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-59"},{"number":60,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-60"},{"number":61,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-61"},{"number":62,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-62"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:digital-rights-how:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"digital-rights-how","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/digital-rights-how?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/digital-rights-how.md?lang=en","question":"How will digital rights work in practice?","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\nThe new Constitution for the first time at the constitutional level enshrines:\n- **Personal data protection** – everyone has the right to protection of their personal data\n- **Electronic appeals** – citizens may submit appeals to state bodies electronically (e-mail, eGov, e-Otinish)\n\n## What This Means in Practice\n- State bodies must accept electronic appeals on equal terms with paper ones\n- Personal data cannot be collected, stored, or transferred without legal grounds\n- Citizens can demand deletion or correction of their data\n\n## What Is Needed for Full Implementation\n- Updating the personal data law (current version – 2013)\n- Subordinate legislation on electronic appeals procedures\n- Technical integration: eGov, e-Otinish, e-government\n- Adapting departmental regulations\n\n## Timeline\n- Constitutional norm takes effect immediately\n- Subordinate legislation – expected during 2026–2027\n- Until then, the right is exercised through existing channels (eGov, e-Otinish)\n\n## Fact\nKazakhstan is one of the first Central Asian countries to enshrine digital rights at the constitutional level.","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"digital-rights-how faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":21,"title":"Digital Rights","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-21"},{"number":23,"title":"Freedom of Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-observers:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-observers","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-observers?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-observers.md?lang=en","question":"Who Monitors the Integrity of the Vote","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nTrust in the result is the key question of any vote. Here is who monitors the process:\n\n- **Parties** – each registered party sends an observer to every polling station\n- **NGOs** – accredited civil society organisations\n- **Media** – journalists with accreditation\n- **International missions** – OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS, the Turkic Council\n- **Foreign observers** – from more than 30 countries\n\n## What observers see\n\nThe entire process – from the opening of the station to the counting of the last ballot:\n- Opening of ballot boxes – are they empty?\n- The voting process – is secrecy of the ballot maintained?\n- Counting of ballots – in full view of observers\n- Drawing up the protocol – the key document\n\n## The protocol – the main guarantee\n\nThe count protocol:\n- Is signed by all members of the precinct commission\n- **A copy is given to each observer** – this is a legally binding document\n- Data are transmitted to the higher commission\n- If the final figures diverge from the precinct protocol – that is grounds for verification\n\n## What to do if there is a violation\n\n- The observer files a complaint with the precinct commission **on the spot**\n- The complaint is recorded in an act\n- The result can be challenged in court\n- International missions publish a report with their assessment – this affects Kazakhstan's international reputation - Observers: parties, NGOs, media, international missions from 30+ countries\n- OSCE/ODIHR has been invited to observe\n- Each observer receives a copy of the count protocol\n- Violations are recorded on the spot; results can be challenged in court","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-observers faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":35,"title":"Voting Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":73,"title":"Referendum Disputes","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":92,"title":"Decision Adoption Conditions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-why-important:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-why-important","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-why-important?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-why-important.md?lang=en","question":"Why It Matters to Adopt the Constitution by Referendum","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe 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.\n\n## Why this matters democratically\n\nThrough a referendum:\n\n- citizens directly express that they are the source of power\n- the level of public consent becomes more visible\n- the legitimacy of reform is strengthened\n\n## Difference from parliamentary adoption\n\nParliament acts on behalf of the people. In a referendum, the people act directly. For constitutional change, that distinction has both symbolic and legal importance.\n\n## Importance for public trust\n\nIf the basic law is approved by direct vote, public acceptance may become stronger as well. This can help later implementation, explanation, and institutional transition.\n\n## Important limitation\n\nA referendum does not automatically guarantee a perfect decision. Its democratic value depends on several conditions:\n\n- access to open information\n- a fair procedure\n- real conditions for informed choice\n\n## Main idea\n\nA 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\n- It expresses direct popular sovereignty\n- It differs from parliamentary adoption because citizens decide themselves\n- Its democratic value depends on openness, fairness, and informed choice","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-why-important faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"People as Source of Power","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Right to Participate in Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-question-text:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-question-text","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-question-text?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-question-text.md?lang=en","question":"What Question Is on the Ballot","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe wording was approved by Presidential Decree of 11 February 2026:\n\n> \"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?\"\n\n## Two options\n\n- **\"Yes\"** – you support the adoption of the new Constitution\n- **\"No\"** – you do not support it\n\nThere is no third option. Voting is secret – no one sees your choice.\n\n## Why the question is worded this way\n\n- **Clarity:** one question, two options, no ambiguity\n- **Tied to the text:** the date of publication is specified – everyone can find and read the 2026 Constitution before voting\n- **Integrity:** voting is on the document as a whole, not on individual articles – standard practice for constitutional referendums worldwide\n\n## Where to read the 2026 Constitution\n\nThe text was published on 12 February 2026:\n- Newspapers Egemen Qazaqstan and Kazakhstanskaya Pravda\n- CEC website – [election.gov.kz](https://www.election.gov.kz)\n- Current structured text – [constitution.my](/full-text?lang=en)\n\nThe wording of the question cannot be changed after the Decree is published.\n\n→ [Read the full text of the 2026 Constitution](/full-text?lang=en) - One question: \"Do you accept the new Constitution...?\" – 'Yes' or 'No'\n- Tied to a specific text published on 12 February 2026\n- Approved by Presidential Decree of 11 February 2026\n- Referendum results are published at election.gov.kz; the Constitution in force is available at constitution.my","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-question-text faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"People's Power by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":92,"title":"Amending the Constitution by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-after-vote:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-after-vote","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-after-vote?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-after-vote.md?lang=en","question":"What Is Happening and What Comes Next","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n| Stage | Timing | What happens |\n|---|---|---|\n| Official result | Within 7 days | The CEC publishes the final referendum result |\n| Transition period | 16 March – 30 June | Key constitutional laws were signed on June 5, and the state prepared the launch of the new institutions |\n| Entry into force | **1 July 2026** | The new Constitution entered into force |\n| Kurultai elections | **August 23, 2026** | First elections to the 145-seat unicameral Kurultai |\n| Next institutional stage | After the election | First Kurultai session and later appointments required by the Constitution |\n\n## What has already happened\n\n- The referendum was held on **15 March 2026**.\n- The Constitution was approved by popular vote.\n- On **June 5, 2026**, constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were signed and published.\n\n## What Still Has to Be Specified\n\n- The presidential decree calling the first Kurultai elections was signed on July 1, 2026.\n- Nomination of party lists closed on **July 13** with lists submitted by seven parties.\n- Registration runs until **18:00 on July 23**; campaigning begins after that deadline.\n- Voters can check the electoral register from **August 7**; voting is on **August 23**.\n\n## Why the post-vote stage matters\n\nA 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.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe 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\n- Turnout and support are both assessed\n- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026\n- The implementation stage after the vote is crucial","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-after-vote faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":92,"title":"Adoption by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"First Kurultai Election","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"election-commission-portal","title":"Calendar for the August 23, 2026 Kurultai election","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10190","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-current-stage","title":"Results of the nomination stage for Kurultai candidates","url":"https://www.election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10290","publisher":"Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"election_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-what-is:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-what-is","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-what-is?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-what-is.md?lang=en","question":"What Is a Referendum","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nThe most direct form of democracy. Not a deputy deciding on your behalf – you decide yourself.\n\n**How it works:**\n- The state puts a question to a vote\n- Every citizen aged 18 and over goes to a polling station\n- They vote **'Yes'** or **'No'** – in secret, in person\n- The result carries **direct legal force**\n\n## Three conditions for recognition\n\n| Condition | Requirement | What happens if not met |\n|---|---|---|\n| Turnout | More than 50% of voters | The referendum is deemed not to have taken place |\n| Majority | More than 50% of those who voted – 'Yes' | The decision is not adopted |\n| Regional threshold | 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions, cities of republican significance, and the capital | The decision is not adopted |\n\nAll three conditions must be met simultaneously. If even one is not satisfied – the decision **is not adopted**.\n\n## Legal force\n\n- The result is **binding** across the entire territory of Kazakhstan\n- It can only be reversed by **another referendum**\n- Neither the President, nor parliament, nor a court can review the result\n\n## Kazakhstan's referendums\n\n| Year | Question | 'Yes' | Turnout |\n|---|---|---|---|\n| 1995 | Adoption of the Constitution | 89% | 90% |\n| 2022 | 56 amendments to the Constitution | 77% | 68% |\n| 2026 | New Constitution | 87.15% | 73.12% | - A referendum is a nationwide vote with direct legal force\n- Three conditions: turnout >50%, majority 'Yes', 'Yes' in ≥2/3 of regions\n- The result is binding; it can only be reversed by another referendum\n- Kazakhstan's history: 1995 (89% 'Yes'), 2022 (77% 'Yes', 68% turnout), 2026 – 15 March","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-what-is faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Nationwide Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Right to Participate in Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Referendum Validity Conditions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-what-can-be-asked:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-what-can-be-asked","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-what-can-be-asked?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-what-can-be-asked.md?lang=en","question":"What Questions Can Be Put to a Referendum","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nA 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.\n\n## What kinds of issues may be submitted\n\nA referendum is generally used for matters such as:\n\n- adoption of a Constitution or constitutional amendments\n- foundations of the state system\n- issues of exceptional nationwide political and legal importance\n- long-term institutional changes affecting the whole country\n\n## What is usually not submitted\n\nA referendum is not designed for everyday administrative or technical questions. It should not normally be used for:\n\n- individual administrative acts\n- personnel or routine appointments\n- current internal decisions of state bodies\n- narrow technical regulations\n\n## Why the Constitution is submitted to a referendum\n\nThe 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.\n\n## What this means in practice\n\nIf an issue is put to a referendum, it usually means that:\n\n- it affects the country as a whole\n- it has direct consequences for the political and legal system\n- it requires broad public consent\n\n## Main idea\n\nNot 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\n- It is mainly used for constitutional and nationwide institutional issues\n- Routine administrative decisions should not normally be put to referendum\n- Constitutional change through referendum carries especially strong legitimacy","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-what-can-be-asked faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":43,"title":"Presidential Referendum Decision","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-43"},{"number":73,"title":"Constitutional Court Review of Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-73"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendment Initiative","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":93,"title":"Constitutional Court Opinion","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-93"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-turnout-threshold:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-turnout-threshold","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-turnout-threshold?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-turnout-threshold.md?lang=en","question":"How the Referendum Turnout Threshold Works","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nA 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.\n\nThat is why a minimum turnout requirement is important. It helps to:\n\n- strengthen the legitimacy of the result\n- prevent major state decisions from being made on the basis of very low participation\n- show that the outcome reflects meaningful public involvement\n\n## How the threshold works\n\nIf the legally required level of turnout is not reached, then:\n\n- voting may still have taken place\n- but the legal result may be considered insufficient\n- and the proposed decision may fail to take effect\n\n## Why this is especially important for constitutional questions\n\nConstitutional 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.\n\n## Is turnout alone enough\n\nNo. Usually, two elements matter:\n\n1. A sufficient number of voters must participate.\n2. A sufficient majority must support one option.\n\nSo both **participation** and **support** matter.\n\n## Historical and final figures\n\n- 1995 – turnout 90%\n- 2022 – turnout **68%**\n- 2026 – final turnout was **73.12%**, so the participation threshold was met\n\n## Practical meaning\n\nA 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\n- Turnout thresholds strengthen legitimacy\n- They prevent fundamental decisions from resting on very low participation\n- Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12% – the participation threshold was met\n- Participation itself is part of the democratic meaning of a referendum","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-turnout-threshold faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation in Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Turnout and Regional Threshold","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-campaigning-rules:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-campaigning-rules","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-campaigning-rules?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-campaigning-rules.md?lang=en","question":"What Campaigning Rules Apply Before the Referendum","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n| Period | What is allowed |\n|---|---|\n| **12 February – 13 March** | Campaigning permitted: 'For', 'Against', calls to vote |\n| **14 March (day of silence)** | Campaigning **prohibited** – a day for quiet reflection |\n| **15 March (polling day)** | Campaigning **prohibited** |\n\n## Who may campaign\n\n- Citizens – personally and through the media\n- Political parties\n- Public organisations\n- Initiative groups\n\n**Who may not:** foreign nationals, members of electoral commissions, civil servants in the performance of their duties, military personnel, religious organisations.\n\n## What is permitted\n\n- Public events, rallies, debates\n- Printed materials – leaflets, posters\n- Campaigning in the media and online\n- Positions 'For' and 'Against' are on **completely equal terms**\n\n## What is prohibited\n\n- Vote-buying\n- Threats and coercion\n- Abuse of official position\n- Distribution of knowingly false information\n- Campaigning on the day of silence and on polling day\n\nA violation is an administrative offence carrying specific penalties.\n\n## The day of silence – why it exists\n\n14 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\n- Day of silence: 14 March – campaigning prohibited\n- Prohibited: vote-buying, coercion, abuse of official position\n- The rules apply online – violations are punishable","section":{"code":"referendum","title":"Referendum"},"keywords":"referendum-campaigning-rules faq referendum Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":23,"title":"Freedom of Information","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-23"},{"number":34,"title":"Peaceful Assembly","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-34"},{"number":35,"title":"Referendum Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-entry-into-force:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-entry-into-force","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-entry-into-force?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-entry-into-force.md?lang=en","question":"When the New Constitution Entered Into Force","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\n| Event | Date |\n|---|---|\n| Referendum | **15 March 2026** |\n| Official result announced by the CEC | By **22 March 2026** |\n| Transitional period | 16 March – 30 June |\n| Entry into force | **1 July 2026** |\n| Elections to the Kurultai | August 23, 2026 |\n\n## What happens during the transitional period\n\n- The 1995 Constitution **remains in force** until 1 July\n- The Mazhilis and Senate **continue their work**\n- The Government, courts, and Constitutional Court – **without interruption**\n- Key constitutional laws for the new institutions were already signed on June 5\n- Preparations are underway for the decree and calendar of Kurultai elections (145 deputies elected by proportional representation)\n\n## What happens on 1 July\n\n- The new Constitution entered into force\n- The 1995 Constitution ceased to have effect\n- 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\n- The Parliament formed under the 1995 Constitution ceased its powers\n\n## If the vote is 'No' or turnout is below 50%\n\nNothing enters into force. The 1995 Constitution remains. A repeat referendum cannot be held for at least one year.\n\nThe date of 1 July is fixed in the new Constitution. The transitional period is not a vacuum but a standard legal mechanism.\n\n→ [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\n- Transitional period – 3.5 months; all institutions operate without interruption\n- Key constitutional laws were signed on 5 June 2026\n- Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026\n- The former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1, 2026; until the Kurultai election, the legal system operates under the Constitution's transitional provisions","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-entry-into-force faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Provisions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Legislation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-where-to-ask:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-where-to-ask","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-where-to-ask?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-where-to-ask.md?lang=en","question":"Where to Ask Questions","answer_summary":"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.","content_text":"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\n\nCitizens may have practical questions such as:\n\n- where to read the full text\n- how the referendum procedure works\n- what a particular constitutional article means\n- what rights they have in a specific situation\n- which institution is responsible for what\n\n## Where to look first\n\nUseful sources usually include:\n\n- official referendum information resources\n- official election-related platforms\n- legal-information portals\n- eGov and public-service platforms\n- official materials of relevant state institutions\n\n## When information is not enough\n\nIf the issue is not just informational but concerns an actual legal problem, it may be necessary to contact:\n\n- a lawyer\n- a court\n- the prosecution system\n- the Ombudsman\n- another competent rights-protection institution\n\n## Why official channels matter\n\nRandom commentary online may be fast, but it is often incomplete or wrong. On legal issues, the cost of misunderstanding can be high.\n\n## Main idea\n\nFor 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\n- Rights problems may require courts, lawyers, prosecution bodies, or the Ombudsman\n- Informational questions and legal disputes should be distinguished\n- Official channels reduce the risk of serious misunderstanding","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-where-to-ask faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":12,"title":"Rights Protection","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-12"},{"number":35,"title":"Right to Petition","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":72,"title":"Constitutional Court","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-72"},{"number":84,"title":"Prosecutor's Office","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-84"},{"number":85,"title":"Human Rights Commissioner","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-85"},{"number":86,"title":"Advocacy and Legal Assistance","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-86"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"administrative-procedural-code-petitions","title":"Administrative Procedural Code of Kazakhstan, Chapter 12-1 on petitions","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2000000350#z1470","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"legal_code","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:practical-why-read-before-vote:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"practical-why-read-before-vote","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-why-read-before-vote?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/practical-why-read-before-vote.md?lang=en","question":"Why Reading the Text Matters","answer_summary":"In a referendum, a citizen votes not on a slogan, but on a legal text that shapes the foundations of the state. That is why reading the Constitution itself remains essential for understanding what changes and how new rules affect your rights.","content_text":"Why Reading the Text Matters In a referendum, a citizen votes not on a slogan, but on a legal text that shapes the foundations of the state. That is why reading the Constitution itself remains essential for understanding what changes and how new rules affect your rights. ## The referendum has concluded\n\nA referendum vote should not rest only on general sympathy, distrust, or campaign emotion. The issue is the legal framework of the state. The referendum took place on March 15, 2026, and the updated Constitution took effect on July 1, 2026.\n\n## What is enough to read\n\nA person does not need to become a constitutional lawyer before voting. But it is important to review at least:\n\n- a short explanation of the reform\n- the list of key changes\n- the rights section\n- the power-structure section\n- the official comparison table\n\n## Why this matters\n\nIf people vote without reading, their choice may depend too much on:\n\n- campaign messaging\n- social pressure\n- selective quotations\n- someone else’s interpretation\n\n## What an informed vote means\n\nAn informed vote means that a person:\n\n- knows the main changes\n- understands the likely consequences\n- forms a position independently rather than passively repeating others\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe most useful preparation is simple: read enough to understand what changes on July 1 and how the Constitution affects your rights. - The referendum took place on 15 March 2026: 87.15% voted in favour, and the Constitution took effect on July 1, 2026\n- A referendum vote concerns a legal text, not just political emotion\n- Reading the main changes and comparison table greatly improves informed choice\n- Unread voting is more vulnerable to slogans and selective interpretation\n- Basic preparation is enough to make a vote more independent","section":{"code":"practical","title":"Practical"},"keywords":"practical-why-read-before-vote faq practical Practical","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Elections","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendment","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:constitution-history-1995:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"constitution-history-1995","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-1995?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/constitution-history-1995.md?lang=en","question":"What the 1995 Constitution Changed","answer_summary":"The 1995 Constitution created the basic framework of Kazakhstan’s modern state system. It clarified the structure of power, consolidated the presidential model, and provided the legal foundation for institutional stability over three decades.","content_text":"What the 1995 Constitution Changed The 1995 Constitution created the basic framework of Kazakhstan’s modern state system. It clarified the structure of power, consolidated the presidential model, and provided the legal foundation for institutional stability over three decades. ## Why a new Constitution was needed\n\nThe 1993 Constitution solved many transition-era tasks, but political and legal practice soon showed the need for a more stable design. The **1995 Constitution** introduced that new architecture.\n\n## What it changed\n\nThe 1995 Constitution:\n- defined the state-power system more clearly\n- strengthened the role of the presidency\n- established a more stable parliamentary and governmental framework\n- structured the judiciary and executive institutions more clearly\n- consolidated the system of rights and freedoms\n\nIt became the core legal framework for Kazakhstan’s political and constitutional development in the decades that followed.\n\n## Why it lasted so long\n\nThe 1995 Constitution remained in force for about **30 years**. That longevity itself shows that it provided a meaningful level of institutional continuity and stability.\n\nAt the same time, it was amended at different stages. The system was not frozen; it adapted gradually.\n\n## Reform within continuity\n\nLater amendments to the 1995 Constitution were aimed at:\n- adjusting the political system\n- clarifying relations between state institutions\n- modernizing specific constitutional mechanisms\n- responding to new public and legal demands\n\n## Why it matters for 2026\n\nThe 2026 constitutional project does not erase the 1995 Constitution from history. Instead, it builds on it.\n\nThe basic foundations of statehood remain, but:\n- the architecture of power is updated\n- rights guarantees are expanded\n- the accumulated experience of 30 years is re-evaluated\n\nTo understand 2026, it is essential to understand 1995 as the main constitutional framework of the current system.\n\n→ [Read the full text of the 1995 Constitution](/constitution-1995?lang=en) - The 1995 Constitution became the basis of Kazakhstan’s modern state system\n- It remained in force for about 30 years\n- It was amended repeatedly over time\n- The 2026 project updates this framework rather than erasing it","section":{"code":"history","title":"History"},"keywords":"constitution-history-1995 faq history History","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":1,"title":"State Foundations","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-1"},{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":5,"title":"Constitution and Applicable Law","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":42,"title":"President","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-42"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-myth-change-next-day:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-myth-change-next-day","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-change-next-day?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-change-next-day.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: “Everything changes the next day after the referendum”","answer_summary":"No. Citizens voted on March 15, the key laws were signed on June 5, and the Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026. The legal system does not transform overnight: elections, decrees, and institutional launch follow in sequence.","content_text":"Myth: “Everything changes the next day after the referendum” No. Citizens voted on March 15, the key laws were signed on June 5, and the Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026. The legal system does not transform overnight: elections, decrees, and institutional launch follow in sequence. ## Why this myth appears\n\nA referendum can look like a one-day switch. But constitutional change works through a sequence of legal and institutional steps.\n\n## The actual calendar\n\n| Date | What happens |\n|---|---|\n| **15 March 2026** | Referendum and approval of the new Constitution |\n| **16 March – 30 June** | Transition period: the state keeps operating under the 1995 framework while preparing the launch of the new model |\n| **5 June 2026** | Key constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council are signed |\n| **1 July 2026** | The new Constitution entered into force |\n| **August 23, 2026** | Kurultai deputy elections |\n\n## Why it takes time\n\n- State institutions continued to function without a legal vacuum; Parliament under the 1995 model ceased its powers on July 1.\n- The presidential decree and CEC calendar have now been published; voting is scheduled for August 23.\n- Ordinary legislation must be aligned with the new Constitution over time.\n\n## Main idea\n\nThe referendum is the point of approval, not the final operational step. Legal entry into force, elections, and institutional launch happen one after another. - The referendum took place on 15 March 2026, and the Constitution entered into force on 1 July 2026\n- Key constitutional laws were signed on 5 June 2026\n- Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026\n- Existing institutions continued during the March 16 – June 30 transition period; the former Parliament ceased its powers on July 1\n- Implementation is gradual rather than immediate","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"referendum-myth-change-next-day faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Provisions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Legislation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"akorda-constitutional-documents","title":"Official constitutional documents","url":"https://www.akorda.kz/ru/official_documents/constitution","publisher":"Akorda","source_type":"official_publication","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myths-constitution-always-good:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myths-constitution-always-good","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-constitution-always-good?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-constitution-always-good.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: 'If the Constitution Was Adopted by Referendum, It Must Be Perfect'","answer_summary":"A referendum confers legitimacy – but not perfection. The US Constitution began by enshrining slavery. Kazakhstan's 1995 Constitution required 56 amendments in 2022. Every constitution is a compromise. That is precisely why the 2026 Constitution builds in mechanisms for renewal: the Constitutional Court, amendments, and the Khalyk Kenesi.","content_text":"Myth: 'If the Constitution Was Adopted by Referendum, It Must Be Perfect' A referendum confers legitimacy – but not perfection. The US Constitution began by enshrining slavery. Kazakhstan's 1995 Constitution required 56 amendments in 2022. Every constitution is a compromise. That is precisely why the 2026 Constitution builds in mechanisms for renewal: the Constitutional Court, amendments, and the Khalyk Kenesi. ## The myth\n\n\"The people voted for it – so the Constitution is perfect and nothing in it needs to change.\"\n\n## The facts\n\nA referendum confers **legitimacy** – the right to speak in the name of the people. But legitimacy is not the same as perfection.\n\n**No constitution in history has been perfect:**\n\n- **US Constitution (1787)** – enshrined slavery. It took 78 years and a civil war to pass the Thirteenth Amendment. There have been 27 amendments in 237 years\n- **French Constitution** – the current one is the fifth (1958). Each of the previous four addressed the challenges of its time and became outdated\n- **Kazakhstan's Constitution (1995)** – was optimal for the transition period. But over 30 years, contradictions accumulated: the 2022 reform introduced 56 amendments, and the 2026 Constitution changes 84% of the text\n\n**Why this happens:**\n- A constitution is a **compromise** among groups, interests, and values\n- Society changes – what worked in 1995 does not work in 2026\n- Practice reveals problems that cannot be foreseen at the 2026 Constitutioning stage\n\n## Mechanisms for renewal in the 2026 Constitution\n\nThe Constitution provides for its own updating:\n- **Amendments** – through the Kurultai (qualified majority) or referendum\n- **Constitutional Court** – interprets provisions, adapting them to new realities\n- **Khalyk Kenesi** – a feedback channel from society, with the right of legislative initiative\n- **Constitutional laws** – specify principles without changing the Constitution itself\n\n## Why this myth exists\n\nThere is a desire for a \"final answer\": vote once and never have to think again. But a constitution is a living document. Criticism and renewal are signs of a mature society, not disrespect. - A referendum confers legitimacy but does not guarantee perfection\n- US Constitution – 27 amendments in 237 years; Kazakhstan 1995 – 56 amendments in 2022\n- The 2026 Constitution builds in renewal mechanisms: amendments, the Constitutional Court, Khalyk Kenesi\n- Criticising a constitution is normal practice, protected by freedom of expression","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myths-constitution-always-good faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":5,"title":"Supremacy of the Constitution","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-5"},{"number":41,"title":"Limits on Rights Restrictions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-41"},{"number":92,"title":"Constitutional Amendments","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":93,"title":"Constitutional Court Opinion","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-93"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-1995-gov-archive","title":"Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 1995 (official archive publication)","url":"https://www.gov.kz/uploads/2020/2/11/92594e9ba28352a961ca421505b4b79a_original.146163.pdf","publisher":"Gov.kz","source_type":"historical_legal_text","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitutional-court-law","title":"Constitutional Law on the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/ksrk/documents/details/395513?lang=ru","publisher":"Constitutional Court of the Republic of Kazakhstan","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-myth-one-question:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-myth-one-question","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-one-question?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-one-question.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: “If a referendum has only one question, there is no real choice”","answer_summary":"A single-question referendum is not automatically fake, invalid, or meaningless. If the issue submitted is a unified constitutional project, one question can reflect a yes-or-no decision on the project as a whole. The key issue is not the number of questions but whether citizens have enough information to make an informed choice.","content_text":"Myth: “If a referendum has only one question, there is no real choice” A single-question referendum is not automatically fake, invalid, or meaningless. If the issue submitted is a unified constitutional project, one question can reflect a yes-or-no decision on the project as a whole. The key issue is not the number of questions but whether citizens have enough information to make an informed choice. ## Why people say this\n\nMany people assume that “real choice” must mean several separate questions. That intuition is understandable because citizens may want to approve some changes and reject others.\n\n## Why one question can still be legitimate\n\nIn constitutional referendums, the object of voting is sometimes a **single coherent project** rather than a list of unrelated amendments. In that case, one question can logically ask whether citizens support the project as a whole.\n\n## What really matters\n\nThe quality of a referendum depends less on the number of questions and more on whether:\n\n- the full text is published in advance\n- citizens can study what is being proposed\n- explanatory materials are available\n- public discussion is open and meaningful\n- people have enough time to understand the proposal\n\n## Is more always better\n\nNot necessarily. Too many separate questions can also create problems:\n\n- voters may become confused\n- the process may become overly technical\n- the logic of the reform as a whole may be lost\n\n## The real risk\n\nThe real danger is not “one question” by itself. The real danger appears when:\n\n- the text is unclear\n- the process lacks transparency\n- people do not understand what they are voting on\n- information is one-sided or incomplete\n\n## Main idea\n\n“One question means no choice” is too simplistic. What matters is whether the voter understands the substance of the choice. - One question does not automatically make a referendum invalid or meaningless\n- 15 March 2026 – the vote took place on March 15: one question, accept or reject the Constitution as a whole\n- A single question may be logical for a unified constitutional project\n- The key issue is informed choice, not just the number of questions\n- Transparency and access to the full text matter more than formal question count","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"referendum-myth-one-question faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Amending the Constitution by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:referendum-myth-boycott:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"referendum-myth-boycott","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-boycott?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/referendum-myth-boycott.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: “Boycott is the strongest political response”","answer_summary":"A boycott is not the same as a “No” vote. The official record counts turnout and votes cast, not a separate boycott category. Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12%, and 87.15% of participants voted in favor. A “No” vote affected the result; non-participation was not counted as a protest vote.","content_text":"Myth: “Boycott is the strongest political response” A boycott is not the same as a “No” vote. The official record counts turnout and votes cast, not a separate boycott category. Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12%, and 87.15% of participants voted in favor. A “No” vote affected the result; non-participation was not counted as a protest vote. ## Why boycott can seem attractive\n\nFor some citizens, boycott expresses a refusal to recognize or legitimize the process. This may feel like a morally or politically strong stance, especially where trust is low.\n\n## The practical weakness of boycott\n\nIn a referendum, boycott usually does not translate into a direct substantive position. It does not clearly show:\n\n- which norm you oppose\n- whether you reject the whole project\n- what alternative you support\n\n## Why participation has more direct effect\n\nParticipation allows a citizen to:\n\n- vote in favor\n- vote against\n- influence the numerical result directly\n- be counted in the official outcome\n\nBoycott, by contrast, often affects the process only indirectly.\n\n## When boycott could have mattered\n\nA boycott could have affected the legal validity of the vote only if final turnout had fallen **below 50%**. Actual turnout on March 15, 2026 was **73.12%**, so the threshold was met.\n\n## Main idea\n\nBoycott may be a political gesture, but voting is the clearest way to affect the formal result of a referendum. - Boycott does not count as a direct \"no\" vote – the protocol records only turnout and votes\n- Participation is the clearest way to affect the official result\n- Boycott may have symbolic political meaning but weaker formal effect\n- Final turnout on March 15, 2026 was 73.12% – the participation threshold was met\n- In referendum mechanics, voting is the more direct instrument","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"referendum-myth-boycott faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":35,"title":"Citizen Participation","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-35"},{"number":92,"title":"Decision Adoption Conditions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":93,"title":"Constitutional Court Opinion","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-93"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:myths-referendum-vs-parliament:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"myths-referendum-vs-parliament","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-referendum-vs-parliament?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/myths-referendum-vs-parliament.md?lang=en","question":"Myth: 'A Referendum Is Always Better Than Parliament Because the People Decide'","answer_summary":"A referendum does not replace parliament – it complements it for fundamental questions. Voting on a budget or a tax code with a simple Yes/No is not feasible. The 2026 referendum is the appropriate case: 84% of the text is new, and the structure of power is fundamentally different.","content_text":"Myth: 'A Referendum Is Always Better Than Parliament Because the People Decide' A referendum does not replace parliament – it complements it for fundamental questions. Voting on a budget or a tax code with a simple Yes/No is not feasible. The 2026 referendum is the appropriate case: 84% of the text is new, and the structure of power is fundamentally different. ## The myth\n\n\"Let the people decide everything through referendums – what do we need parliament for?\"\n\n## The facts\n\nA referendum and a parliament solve different problems.\n\n**When a referendum is needed:**\n- A new constitution – the foundation of the state, requiring the highest legitimacy\n- Questions of sovereignty and territory\n- Fundamental values on which society must speak directly\n\n**When parliament is more effective:**\n- Budget – thousands of line items, compromises between sectors and regions\n- Tax code – hundreds of pages of technical provisions\n- International treaties – negotiations and legal expertise\n- Current legislation – hundreds of acts per year; a referendum on each is impossible\n\n**Risks of \"referendum on everything\":**\n- Voter fatigue – in Switzerland, referendum turnout is often below 40%\n- Populism – a complex question is reduced to Yes/No\n- Manipulation of the wording – a question can be phrased to steer the answer\n\n## The 2026 Constitution – exactly the right case\n\nA new constitution is a fundamental choice. 84% of the text is new. A unicameral Kurultai replaces a bicameral parliament; parliamentary functions expand from 13 to 23; the Khalyk Kenesi, the Vice President, and new rights are introduced. This is not a technical amendment – it is a choice of direction for the country. Such a decision belongs to the people.\n\n## Why this myth exists\n\nDisillusionment with parliament: \"deputies do not represent our interests.\" But the solution is not to abolish parliament – it is to make it more effective. The new Constitution does exactly that: all 145 Kurultai deputies are directly elected, with quotas for women, young people, and people with disabilities. - A referendum is for fundamental questions (constitution, sovereignty)\n- Parliament is more effective for current legislation (budget, taxes, treaties)\n- 2026 Constitution: 84% of text is new, parliamentary functions expand from 13 to 23 – the right case for a referendum\n- After adoption, current laws are passed by the Kurultai (145 deputies), not by referendum","section":{"code":"myths","title":"Myths"},"keywords":"myths-referendum-vs-parliament faq myths Myths","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":52,"title":"Kurultai","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-52"},{"number":92,"title":"Amending the Constitution by Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-law-2026","title":"Constitutional Law on the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/Z2600000297","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitutional_law","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}
{"schema_version":"2026-07-13","id":"constitution-my:what-changed-after-vote:en","type":"editorial_explainer","language":"en","slug":"what-changed-after-vote","canonical_url":"https://constitution.my/p/what-changed-after-vote?lang=en","markdown_url":"https://constitution.my/p/what-changed-after-vote.md?lang=en","question":"What changed after the Constitution entered into force?","answer_summary":"The Constitution has been in force since July 1, 2026. New rights are already being applied, the key constitutional laws have been published, and the next public phase is the Kurultai elections scheduled for August 23, 2026.","content_text":"What changed after the new Constitution was adopted? On 15 March 2026, citizens of Kazakhstan approved the new Constitution in a referendum. Key constitutional laws were signed on June 5, the Constitution took effect on July 1, and on the same day the decree calling Kurultai elections was signed. Kurultai deputy elections are scheduled for August 23, 2026. ## Key Points\nAfter the referendum of March 15, 2026, the constitutional reform moved from drafting to implementation. It is now important to distinguish between what has already been signed, what has been in force since July 1, and what still awaits a separate decree or organisational step.\n\n## What Has Already Happened\n- On **June 5, 2026**, the signed constitutional laws on the President, the Kurultai, and the Kazakhstan People's Council were published.\n- The basic model of the new institutions is already fixed in the official texts.\n- The Constitution entered into force on July 1, while the institutional transition continues until the new bodies are formed.\n\n## What Has Been in Force Since July 1, 2026\n- The new Constitution became the Basic Law of the country.\n- The 1995 Constitution ceased to apply.\n- New constitutional guarantees are in force, including the reduction of detention without court to 48 hours. Citizen applications to the Constitutional Court have been accepted since January 1, 2023; the new Constitution preserves that mechanism.\n\n## What Is Expected Next\n- On **July 1, 2026**, the President signed the decree calling Kurultai elections.\n- The first elections to the unicameral Kurultai are scheduled for **August 23, 2026**.\n- The appointment of the Vice President depends on the formation of the Kurultai and its consent to the nominee.\n- The law on the Kazakhstan People's Council has been in force since July 1, and its Secretariat was created on July 2. No separate official date for approving the membership or holding the first session has yet been published.\n\n## Facts\n- March 15, 2026 – referendum and adoption of the new Constitution\n- June 5, 2026 – key constitutional laws signed\n- July 1, 2026 – Constitution entered into force\n- August 23, 2026 – Kurultai deputy elections\n- July 2, 2026 – Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council created; the first-session date has not yet been published","section":{"code":"post_referendum","title":"Current Focus"},"keywords":"what-changed-after-vote faq post_referendum After the Referendum","date_modified":"2026-07-26T11:52:52.668476+00:00","license":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/","publisher":{"name":"Constitution.my","url":"https://constitution.my"},"source_role":{"is_official_legal_source":false,"provenance_status":"checked_registry","description":"Canonical Constitution.my explainer with card-level checked official sources."},"article_references":[{"number":4,"title":"Popular Sovereignty and Referendum","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-4"},{"number":92,"title":"Referendum Adoption Procedure","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-92"},{"number":94,"title":"Entry into Force","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-94"},{"number":95,"title":"Transitional Provisions","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-95"},{"number":96,"title":"Alignment of Acts","url":"https://constitution.my/full-text?lang=en#article-96"}],"official_sources":[{"id":"referendum-results-2026","title":"Preliminary official results of the March 15, 2026 national referendum","url":"https://election.gov.kz/rus/news/releases/index.php?ID=10110","publisher":"Central Referendum Commission of Kazakhstan","source_type":"referendum_authority","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"constitution-2026-official","title":"Official publication of the 2026 Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/K2600000000","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"constitution","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"halyk-council-secretariat-decree","title":"Decree establishing the Secretariat of the Kazakhstan People's Council","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001343","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"},{"id":"kurultai-election-decree","title":"Decree calling the Kurultai election for August 23, 2026","url":"https://adilet.zan.kz/rus/docs/U2600001338","publisher":"Adilet Legal Information System","source_type":"presidential_decree","checked_at":"2026-07-16"}],"verified_claims":[],"implementation_status":null}