Voting has started in the referendum on the adoption of the new constitution in Kazakhstan.
This was reported by Tengrinews.kz.
There is only one question on the ballot: do citizens accept the new constitution published on February 12, 2026? It is possible to vote only to fully support or reject the entire document.
If more than 50 percent of voters cast their vote, the referendum will be considered valid. The results must be announced no later than seven days after the voting.
The new constitution draft changes approximately 40% of the text, about 70% of which concerns provisions related to the architecture of relations among branches of power. Overall, the number of articles decreases from 99 to 95.
The main differences lie in the articles directly related to state governance. Instead of the bicameral parliament in Kazakhstan, a unicameral Kurultai is established, whose 145 deputies are to be elected by party lists for a term of five years. The existing mixed electoral system in the country is abolished.
The creation of a new consultative body - the People's Council - is also proposed. This body will convene at least once a year and will have the right to legislative initiative./oxu.az