Kazakhstan's new constitution, approved by a referendum held in March, took effect on July 1. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, in a message to citizens, described the entry into force of the constitution as a 'landmark event.'
In his message, Tokayev said, 'I wholeheartedly congratulate you on such a truly landmark event as the entry into force of the new constitution of our country! Today, a new era begins in the history of sovereign Kazakhstan.'
The president emphasized that in the March 15 referendum, the people made a fateful choice that determined the country's development horizon for decades. Tokayev also said, 'United in national harmony, we will conquer the heights of world civilization and build a just Kazakhstan offering equal opportunities.'
What does the new constitution bring?
With the new constitution, Kazakhstan transitioned from a bicameral parliamentary system (Mazhilis and Senate) to a unicameral system (Kurultai). Additionally, the position of vice president, which existed between 1991 and 1996, was reinstated. The vice president will be appointed by the president with the approval of the Kurultai.
Furthermore, the schedule for presidential elections has been changed. Instead of a fixed date like the first Sunday in December, elections will be held no later than two months before the end of the president's seven-year term.
Third constitution
The new text, the third constitution of independent Kazakhstan, is the result of a reform process initiated by President Tokayev in 2025. The country's first constitution was adopted in 1993, and the second in 1995. In subsequent years, many amendments were made in parliament, and some regulations were put to a referendum in 2022.
