According to the Eurasian Integration Institute, 86.7% of referendum participants expressed support for the new version of the constitution. The survey was conducted at the exit of 200 polling stations in 17 regions and three major cities, covering about 30,000 respondents.
Other data obtained from the private fund "Institute of Comprehensive Social Research - Astana 'Socis-A'" shows a support level of 87.4%. Moreover, according to research by the Public Policy Institute of the "Amanat" party, 88.6% of respondents agreed with the changes to the fundamental law.
Preliminary information from the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan indicates a voter turnout of 73.24% in the referendum. A total of 9,126,850 citizens participated in the voting. During the day, the CEC confirmed that the referendum took place.
The highest turnout was recorded in the Kyzylorda region at 93.04%, while only 33.43% of voters in Almaty cast their ballots. In the capital, Astana, the turnout was 60.36%.
The initiator of the new constitution draft was the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The document includes a number of institutional reforms, such as the abolition of the bicameral parliament and the establishment of a unicameral legislative body — the Kurultai.
The changes also stipulate that the president will have the right to unilaterally appoint the Attorney General, the chairpersons of the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, the head of the National Bank, and the head of the National Security Committee. Additionally, the position of vice president is introduced, with the president appointing the candidate with the consent of parliament.
Official results of the referendum are expected to be published by the Central Election Commission within a week.
