March 15, 2026

Referendum on New Constitution Held in Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, a referendum on the new Constitution was held on March 15, according to the local Central Election Commission. Voting concluded at 8:00 PM at all polling stations, and precinct commissions began counting the votes. The turnout was 73.24%, deeming the vote valid. The ballot contained a single question: whether citizens accept the new Constitution, published on February 12, 2026. Voters could only approve or reject the entire document as a whole. The new draft Constitution represents over an 80% change from the current one. Key changes include transforming the bicameral parliament into a unicameral one, abolishing the mixed candidate nomination system, introducing the position of an unelected vice-president, and enshrining the definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman. If approved, the new law would take effect on July 1, 2026. This marks the third time Kazakhstan has amended its basic law since 2022.