Kazakh citizens have approved the adoption of a new Constitution in a nationwide referendum, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s Central Referendum Commission Nurlan Abdirov said at a briefing on March 16, according to KazTAG.
According to the commission, 7.95 million people, or 87.15% of voters who participated in the referendum, supported the new Constitution.
More than 12.48 million citizens were eligible to vote, and 9.127 million took part in the ballot.
Earlier, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev reviewed the results of exit polls conducted during the referendum and congratulated citizens on the adoption of the new Constitution.
According to the presidential press service, Tokayev also announced that Kazakhstan’s Constitution Day will now be celebrated on March 15.
“Through this vote, our people have determined the future course of Kazakhstan’s history and destiny. Your expression of will forever remain in world history as a true symbol of patriotism of our citizens. From now on, March 15 will be celebrated annually as one of our main national holidays — Constitution Day. Our citizens have voted for the renewal and modernization of the country. This is our shared achievement,” the president said.
The new Constitution introduces several changes to Kazakhstan’s political system. Among them are the creation of the post of vice president, the transition to a unicameral parliament instead of the current bicameral legislature, the establishment of a People’s Council with the right of legislative initiative, and the priority of national law over international law.
The new Constitution is expected to enter into force on July 1, 2026, while the current parliament will continue working until that date.
