The upcoming republican referendum on the draft of Kazakhstan's new Constitution will be a key stage of political reform in the country. This was stated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev while speaking at the III Republican Forum of Maslikhat Deputies of all levels, which brought together around two thousand deputies from all regions of the country.
The head of state emphasised that the renewal of the Basic Law should lead to the formation of a more balanced political system and strengthen the role of representative institutions of power.
WHY THE REFERENDUM WILL BE AN IMPORTANT STAGE OF REFORM
In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that Kazakhstan is carrying out a large-scale political modernisation linked to changes in the constitutional foundations of the state structure.
According to the President, if citizens support the draft Basic Law, the country will transition to a new model of political development.
‘If citizens approve the proposed draft of the Basic Law at the referendum, the political structure of the country will undergo a radical transformation,’ said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
The head of state explained that the updated Constitution should ensure a clearer balance between institutions of power and increase the effectiveness of the state system.
A NEW MODEL OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM
One of the key changes will be a new configuration of representative bodies. According to the proposed model, deputies of the new unicameral Parliament will be elected on a proportional basis, which will strengthen the role of political parties.
At the same time, at the regional level it is proposed to retain the majoritarian system for electing maslikhat deputies, as these bodies work directly with the population.
According to the President, this model will combine party representation with a direct link between deputies and voters.
‘Maslikhats should become an effective political lift for active citizens who enjoy the trust of society,’ noted Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The draft of the new Constitution also provides for a number of restrictions for the highest state officials. It is proposed to establish a rule whereby the Chairman and judges of the Constitutional Court, the Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General cannot hold office for more than one term.
According to the President, such changes are aimed at strengthening the system of checks and balances and preventing an excessive concentration of power.
A separate provision of the draft Basic Law proposes to ban relatives of the President from holding political positions and leadership posts in the quasi-state sector.
THE ROLE OF MASLIKHATS AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE UPCOMING VOTE
During his speech, the President also stressed that maslikhat deputies should more actively participate in solving regional problems and ensure oversight of the use of budget funds.
According to the head of state, citizens' trust in the authorities largely depends on the effectiveness of local representative bodies.
He reminded that the final decision on the draft of the new Constitution will be made by the citizens of Kazakhstan at the republican referendum, which will take place on 15 March 2026.
‘This referendum will occupy a special place in the history of Kazakhstan,’ said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
AN APPEAL TO CITIZENS AND YOUTH
During his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also addressed the citizens of Kazakhstan, stressing the importance of the upcoming vote for the country's future.
‘I want to appeal to all citizens, especially to young compatriots. You have received a rare chance to cast your vote at the referendum and thereby become part of the destiny of our Motherland,’ said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
According to the President, citizens' participation in the vote will be a manifestation of civic responsibility and will determine the country's further development.