Kazakhstan: Largest country in Central Asia approves new constitution

Kazakhstan: Largest Central Asian Nation Approves Revised Constitution

On March 15, citizens of Kazakhstan ratified a new constitution in a nationwide referendum, as confirmed by the Central Electoral Commission. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev highlighted the significance of the vote in a late-night speech, declaring it a milestone for the nation’s future. “Today marks a pivotal moment in our country’s history,” he stated. “The people have chosen to support constitutional reforms that will shape Kazakhstan’s path forward.”

According to preliminary findings, the majority of voters endorsed the constitutional changes, which aim to modernize the framework governing the nation. The reform centralizes authority under the presidency, granting expanded powers to appoint key officials. These include the heads of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Judicial Council, National Bank, National Security Committee, and Prosecutor General. Additionally, the president will now select members of the Supreme Audit Chamber and the Central Electoral Commission, with all appointments requiring approval from the unicameral Kurultai parliament.

“Official documents in the Kazakh language will have the highest authenticity. This means that if versions of the same document in different languages contradict each other, the Kazakh version will be deemed authoritative,” explained political scientist Gaziz Abishev.

The proposed constitution also introduces a new role for the vice president, reviving a position last held between 1991 and 1996. This individual will represent the nation abroad, act as a presidential liaison in parliamentary sessions, and engage with social, cultural, and scientific groups. The president retains control over defining the vice president’s responsibilities.

Language provisions underwent subtle adjustments, shifting the status of Kazakh and Russian from “equal grounds” to “alongside.” Experts suggest this change implies Kazakh will take precedence in official matters. Meanwhile, the scope of personal data protection has been broadened, and the constitution now explicitly separates religion from state governance.

Another notable amendment redefines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, reflecting recent legislation against LGBTQ+ advocacy. The document also revises freedom of speech clauses, extending guarantees to include “scientific, technical, and artistic creativity.”

Internationally, the constitution’s revised wording no longer prioritizes Kazakhstan’s commitments to global agreements over domestic law. While international law remains respected, the nation has removed the obligation to “renounce the first use of armed force.” Nonprofits and parties receiving funding from foreign entities must now disclose all sources, including corporate backers, in addition to government and institutional donors.