Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

Rule Changes

Consolidating power through constitutional overhaul

Kazakhstan's 1995 constitution survived three decades until voters approved a replacement on March 15, 2026. The new framework merges the two parliamentary chambers into a single Kurultai, creates a presidential vice-president position appointed by the president, and grants the president authority to appoint all government officials plus a new advisory People's Council with legislative initiative powers. Preliminary results released March 16 by the Central Referendum Commission showed 89% approval with 73% turnout, exceeding the 50% threshold, though Almaty saw only 32-33% participation.

Updated Mar 16