Kazakhstan is set to hold a nationwide referendum on March 15, 2026, to decide on the adoption of a new Constitution. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the relevant decree on February 11 at the Akorda presidential residence in Astana, DKNews.kz reports.
The referendum has been called in accordance with Subparagraph 10 of Article 44 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Article 18 of the Constitutional Law “On the Republican Referendum.”
© Sputnik / Abzal Kaliev
What Question Will Be Put to Voters?
Citizens will be asked to vote on the draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The ballot question will read:
“Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the mass media on February 12, 2026?”
Voters will therefore be able to give a direct “yes” or “no” answer on whether to adopt the country’s new Basic Law.
Who Will Organize the Referendum?
The preparation and conduct of the referendum have been entrusted to the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan, which will act as the Central Referendum Commission. Territorial and precinct election commissions will also perform the functions of referendum commissions.
The Government of Kazakhstan, together with the Central Election Commission and other central and local executive bodies, has been instructed to take all necessary measures to organize and conduct the vote.
The decree enters into force from the date of its official publication.
Why It Matters
A referendum represents a direct expression of the people’s will. In this case, citizens will determine whether Kazakhstan adopts a new constitutional framework that will define the country’s institutional and legal foundations for years to come.
The draft Constitution has already been published and made available for public review. The upcoming vote will give the final say to the electorate.
March 15 could become a significant date in Kazakhstan’s modern political history, marking not just the approval of a legal document, but a decision about the country’s future direction.
