On March 16, the Central Referendum Commission in Astana announced that 87.15% of citizens of Kazakhstan supported the draft of the new Constitution. According to media reports, 9.83% voted against the document, which corresponds to 898,099 voters. More than 146,000 ballots were deemed invalid. The voter turnout for the referendum was 73.1%. To recognize the voting as valid, participation of at least half of the registered voters is required.
The question posed to the voters was: "Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the media on February 12, 2026?"
The development of the new Fundamental Law was initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and includes a number of significant changes. In particular, there are plans to transition from a bicameral parliament to a unicameral one, as well as to eliminate the self-nomination of deputies — they will be elected only from party lists. Additionally, the draft provides for the creation of an advisory body with legislative initiative rights, which will be called the Халық Кеңесі (People's Council). The parameters for forming this council have not yet been specified, but Tokayev previously stated that it would consist of 126 people appointed by the president. A vice president will also be introduced, appointed by the president, who will have the right to appoint key leaders without parliamentary approval.
Critics of these changes express concerns that they will lead to an increase in presidential power and a restriction of civil liberties, while representatives of Akorda argue that the new system of checks and balances will, on the contrary, strengthen democratic processes and ensure the sustainable development of the country.
Before the official announcement of the voting results, Tokayev stated that March 15 would become the new Constitution Day. Previously, this holiday was celebrated on August 30, the day when the current Constitution was adopted in 1995, which has undergone numerous changes. The last significant amendments were made in 2022 after the events known as Bloody January. At that time, Tokayev promised that he would no longer change the Constitution; however, in the fall of 2025, he initiated a new constitutional reform, noting that "life does not stand still."
