The expert community noted a high level of support for the referendum and the strengthening of legal institutions
A round table organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Kyrgyzstan gathered experts, representatives of government structures, and media to discuss the results of the constitutional reform and its impact on the political and institutional development of Kazakhstan.
Opening the meeting, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Kyrgyz Republic, Rapil Zhoshbaev, noted that the new Constitution adopted in the referendum was a response to significant changes in society and a demand for renewed governance.
The ambassador emphasized that this is about a radical reform of the state model, not just simple amendments.
“The new Constitution is a large-scale and deep transformation of the entire state system,” he added.
The main goal of the reform is to enhance the independence of the state and improve the well-being of citizens, as well as to create a more balanced power structure. In this context, emphasis is placed on the role of parliament, the development of political institutions, and the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process.
“The referendum was an important step in the political development of the country, reflecting the society's aspiration for renewal and strengthening the principles of justice and openness,” said Zhoshbaev.
He also noted that the voting results confirm a high level of civic responsibility and the activity of the population in shaping the future of the country.
Participants of the round table also discussed the organizational aspects of the referendum. Member of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of Kyrgyzstan Abdyjapar Bekmatov, who observed the process, noted that the voting was conducted in accordance with international standards.
“The question put to the vote was clearly formulated, which ensured clarity in the expression of citizens' will and eliminated ambiguity in the interpretation of the results,” he emphasized.
According to him, more than 73% of voters participated in the voting, and support for the constitutional changes was over 87%.
“This is an indicator of a high level of public consensus and trust in the institutions of direct democracy,” added Bekmatov.
He also noted the scale of organizational work, in which tens of thousands of members of election commissions participated. The use of a cascading training system allowed for uniform application of legislation and reduced the likelihood of errors in the procedure.
Additionally, attention was drawn to informational transparency. Bekmatov mentioned that explanatory work was conducted through both traditional and digital channels, including social networks, which contributed to increasing citizens' legal literacy.
Furthermore, measures were taken to ensure inclusivity, including creating conditions for people with disabilities and organizing voting for citizens outside the country.
Discussing the content of the reforms, legal and electoral process expert Mirlan Medetov noted that the changes are aimed at expanding political participation and strengthening guarantees of citizens' rights and freedoms.
He also added that the reform seeks to create a sustainable system of public administration, taking into account national experience and the peculiarities of the development of power institutions.
Medetov highlighted key changes, including the introduction of the vice-presidential institution, the transition to a unicameral parliament (Kurultai) based on a proportional electoral system, and the creation of an advisory body—the People's Council of Kazakhstan.
In his opinion, the proportional electoral system will promote political pluralism, expanding the representation of minorities and women and reducing the number of "lost" votes.
The expert also noted that special attention is paid to strengthening constitutional guarantees of citizens' rights, including the right to compensation for damages caused by the state, the introduction of Miranda rights, and ensuring the right to legal assistance from the moment of detention.
During the discussion, participants concluded that the reforms in Kazakhstan are significant not only for the country itself but also for Central Asia as a whole.
As noted, changes in the largest economy in the region affect the overall dynamics of development and set new benchmarks for neighboring states.
The key issue remains the practical implementation of the reforms, as the application of new norms will determine their ability to strengthen state institutions, increase public trust, and ensure long-term development.
