Kazakhstan’s New Constitution

By the Ukraine, Russia, and Post-Soviet Space Area Task Force

Picture of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev voting in Kazakhstan’s 2026 Constitutional Reform, from the Astana Times Photo credit: Akorda 

On April 15, 2026, Kazakhstan held a referendum on a new constitution. This constitution was promoted as a means for Kazakhstan to move away from its presidential model of governance, ostensibly giving greater powers to its parliament. These measures should have enabled Kazakhstan to establish a system of checks and balances, with room for an unobstructed democratic process. However, the constitution leaves concerning gaps which may allow presidential power to continue effectively dominating the country. In turn, that could allow the state to continue undermining the human rights of its citizens. In this way, the new constitution maintains a facade of reform while codifying the status quo and its flaws.   

Full Report:

Kazakhstan's New Constitution - July 2026.pdf

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