Referendum in Kazakhstan

On the morning of 14 March 2026, just one day before Kazakhstan’s nationwide constitutional referendum, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov addressed international journalists during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana. The press event formed part of a special media tour organised for foreign reporters covering what officials describe as one of the most consequential political moments in the country’s modern history.

A Reform Built on Three Decades of Statehood

Before outlining the details of the proposed constitutional reform, Issetov reflected on Kazakhstan’s development since independence. The message was clear: the referendum is presented not as a reaction to instability but as the next phase of a long-term national trajectory.

This narrative of steady progress set the stage for the central argument of the briefing: that constitutional reform is the logical continuation of the country’s modernisation.

Economic Stability Ahead of Political Transformation

During the briefing, Issetov also presented economic indicators intended to demonstrate Kazakhstan’s resilience in an uncertain global environment.

He pointed out that the country’s gross domestic product reached 306 billion US dollars last year, allowing Kazakhstan to enter the list of the 50 largest economies in the world.

Looking ahead, the government expects continued growth. According to forecasts by international financial institutions, the country’s GDP could reach 320 billion dollars by the end of the current year.

These figures were presented as evidence that Kazakhstan is entering the constitutional referendum from a position of economic strength.

The Political Reform Agenda

The constitutional reform initiative, according to the Deputy Foreign Minister, stems from a broader transformation agenda initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The final result, he suggested, was a comprehensive constitutional redesign rather than a limited institutional adjustment.

New Constitution

A central theme of the briefing was public participation in drafting the proposed constitution. Authorities sought to present the reform as a nationwide process shaped by citizen input.

To gather proposals, a Constitutional Commission of 130 members was established. According to Issetov, the commission reviewed more than 12,000 suggestions submitted by citizens through the government’s digital platforms.

The scope of the proposed changes is substantial. According to the government, the amendments affect 84 per cent of the current constitution.

Human Rights as the Core Principle

• One of the most notable aspects of the proposed constitution is its strong focus on human rights.

This principle is reflected in the size of the constitutional section devoted to rights and freedoms. Issetov told journalists that it now constitutes nearly one third of the entire constitution.

He noted that it is the central theme throughout the entire text of the new Constitution.

The draft constitution also introduces a range of legal innovations. Among them are guarantees related to privacy, personal data protection, and digital rights. According to Issetov, the constitution proposes to enshrine these protections at the highest legal level.

The document also introduces provisions strengthening legal safeguards for citizens, including the Miranda rule, which aims to reinforce procedural rights and access to legal assistance.

Together, these measures reflect an effort to align Kazakhstan’s legal framework with modern international standards.

The reforms also expand the role of consultative bodies such as the Kurultai (Turkic name) and introduce the Halyk Kenesi (People’s Council) as a high-level advisory institution.

These structures are designed to strengthen dialogue between government and society and provide new channels for citizen participation.

Transparency

In concluding his remarks, Issetov described the referendum as a response to both domestic aspirations and global challenges.

The referendum has attracted significant international attention. According to the Foreign Ministry, 359 international observers and 206 foreign journalists have been accredited to monitor the vote.

Kazakh citizens abroad will also be able to participate. Voting stations have been established at diplomatic missions in 54 countries, operating through 71 election commissions.

Day of the Referendum

Alongside the referendum, Kazakhstan hosted a series of structured briefings in Astana on March 15–16, 2026, designed to inform and support international observers. The program featured representatives from major regional and global organisations.

On March 15, sessions began with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation led by Deputy Secretary General Oleg Kopylov, followed by the Turkic Parliamentary Assembly (TURKPA) with Secretary General Ramil Hasan and colleagues. Later, experts from the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) addressed new challenges and human dimensions, while the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly presented a diverse panel of parliamentary leaders from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

At 16:00, Omer Kocaman, Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), delivered his briefing, underscoring the importance of the referendum for the Turkic world. The day concluded with contributions from the CIS Executive Committee, American and Eurasian NGOs, and the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.

On March 16, the program continued with TURKPA parliamentarians from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Kazakhstan, followed by another SCO session led by Oleg Kopylov. Omer Kocaman again represented the OTS, reaffirming the organization’s support for Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms.

he day also included presentations frTom the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), represented by Imran Sadikhov, and the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, with speakers from Kyrgyzstan and Russia. This comprehensive schedule demonstrated Kazakhstan’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and international engagement during the referendum process.

Among the speakers was Oleg Kopylov (Head of Mission, Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), who addressed the media about the work of international observers and the organisation of the referendum process. His remarks focused on the accessibility of polling stations, the principles guiding observer missions, and the overall atmosphere surrounding the vote.

Accessibility and Conditions for Voters

Kopylov began his remarks by highlighting the measures taken to ensure that all citizens could participate in the referendum process. According to him, particular attention had been paid to accessibility and inclusiveness at polling stations across the country.

Observer Mission

The speaker then described the structure of the international observer mission that he represented.

He noted the organisational work carried out by Kazakhstan’s authorities, saying that preparations for the referendum had been conducted at a high professional level.

Observers also noted the use of technological innovations and efforts to inform the public about the proposed constitutional amendments.

One of the most visible elements highlighted by observers was the atmosphere at polling stations during the day of voting.

Kopylov described a positive environment, explaining that observers had seen many citizens actively participating in the process.

In his view, this participation reflected the importance citizens attach to the referendum.

Media and International Interest

The briefing also emphasised the level of international attention surrounding the referendum.

Observers noted the active presence of journalists and the participation of various international organisations monitoring the process.

Contribution to Democratic Development

In concluding his remarks, Kopylov highlighted the broader significance of the referendum for Kazakhstan’s political development.

According to him, the electoral process represents an important step in strengthening democratic principles and the rule of law.

Closing the briefing, Kopylov wished success to all participants in what he described as an important political event and indicated that the observer mission would present its official findings following the completion of the referendum.

Furthermore, H.E. Ambassador Ismat Jahan, an expert in the human dimension, shared her impressions of the referendum process after observing several polling stations during the voting day. In her remarks, she highlighted the calm and orderly atmosphere that characterized the electoral process.

Omer Kocaman, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), also shared his reflections on the process, emphasising the transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to both Kazakh law and international norms.

Compliance with Legal and International Standards

Kocaman highlighted that the referendum was conducted in full accordance with Kazakhstan’s legal framework. He noted that the preparations and recent efforts by the authorities ensured the process aligned with international standards and practices. This compliance, he stressed, was essential for the legitimacy and credibility of the outcome.

During his observations, Kocaman remarked on the strong participation from all segments of society. Citizens from diverse backgrounds, including educators and community members, were actively engaged in the referendum process. He emphasised that this widespread involvement reflected the democratic spirit and collective will of the Kazakh people.

Inclusivity

A notable aspect of the referendum was its inclusivity. Kocaman observed that special arrangements were made to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to participate fully. He praised these efforts as a positive reflection of Kazakhstan’s commitment to equal rights for all citizens.

Kocaman congratulated Kazakhstan on successfully organizing the referendum. He expressed hope that the constitutional changes would strengthen the country’s governance and identity, ushering in a new era of reform and dynamism. He also underlined the importance of these developments for the broader Turkic world, noting that Kazakhstan’s progress contributes to the unity and strength of Turkic states.

In closing, Kocaman conveyed his congratulations to the Kazakh people and government. He expressed confidence that the referendum would not only empower Kazakhstan domestically but also enhance its role as a leading state within the Turkic community. The Organization of Turkic States, he affirmed, welcomes these changes with great joy and optimism.

The referendum was monitored by international observers and general supervisors, who were present at polling stations. Their participation underscored the openness of the process and provided additional assurance that the referendum was conducted fairly and transparently.

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