Kazakhstan has a new constitution. What’s next?
Kazakhstan's voters approved a new constitution in a referendum, but analysts argue it strengthens the 'superpresidential' model, limiting public participation in politics. The changes are likely to lead to increased political instability and intra-elite conflicts.
Kazakhstan's voters overwhelmingly approved a new constitution in a March 15, 2026 referendum. The government presented this as the final stage of a 'transformation of the state,' but analysts argue it strengthens the existing 'superpresidential' model. The new constitution makes it harder for the public to scrutinize or participate in politics, and civil society is demanding more rights and power to participate in legislative decisions. The changes are likely to lead to increased political instability and intra-elite conflicts, similar to those during former President Nursultan Nazarbayev's era. The new power structure established by the constitution reinforces the president's authority, while diminishing Parliament's legislative and representative functions. The upcoming parliamentary elections in August 2026 are expected to be predictable, with candidates selected exclusively from party lists.
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