Trending Now - Kazakhstan Holds Referendum on Constitution to Strengthen Presidential Power

WHO:

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 72 years old, former Soviet official and Kazakh diplomat

Temur Umarov, analyst at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center

Mario Bikarski, Senior Eastern Europe and Central Asia Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft

WHAT:

Voters in Kazakhstan participated in a referendum on a new constitution on March 15th, 2026

The proposed constitution merges the Kazakh parliament’s two chambers into one

The president will have the right to appoint all government officials, including the restoration of the vice-president position

A new body, the People’s Council, will be created, with members appointed entirely by the president

The proposed constitution changes marriage to be defined as a union between a man and a woman

Inflation in Kazakhstan reached 11.7% in February 2026

WHERE:

Kazakhstan, Central Asia

Astana, Kazakhstan (location of Tokayev's forum)

WHEN:

The referendum took place on March 15th, 2026

Tokayev's current term is limited to one seven-year term until 2029

The constitutional changes are the second in four years

WHY:

The constitutional changes are presented as a response to the need for quick decision-making in a rapidly changing world

Analysts suggest the changes could allow Tokayev to retain power after his term expires

There is growing public demand for greater political accountability and justice

HOW:

The referendum was initiated by President Tokayev

The proposed amendments broadly expand presidential powers and create a new legislative body

The opposition in Kazakhstan is not represented in government structures and has struggled to influence public sentiment

(UPDATED March 15, 2026 17:05 UTC)

Today, voters in Kazakhstan participated in a referendum on a new constitution that proposes significant changes, including merging the parliament's two chambers into one and granting President Tokayev the authority to appoint all government officials. The amendments also introduce a new body called the People’s Council, which will be entirely appointed by the president, and redefine marriage as a union between a man and a woman. This referendum, initiated by Tokayev, comes amid rising inflation and public demand for greater political accountability, marking the second constitutional change in four years.