Kazakhstan enters new constitutional era, next step is the August election

On 1 July Kazakhstan’s new Constitution officially entered into force, marking a significant restructuring of the country’s political system and the formal end of its bicameral parliament. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the moment as the beginning of a “new era” in the nation’s development, emphasizing progress, modernization, and national unity.

The landmark document, approved by an overwhelming 87.15% of voters in a nationwide referendum on 15 March (with turnout around 73%), replaces the 30-year-old framework established shortly after independence. Among the most visible changes is the transition from a bicameral Parliament – comprising the Senate (upper house) and Majilis (lower house) – to a unicameral legislature known as the Kurultai. This new body will consist of 145 deputies elected for five-year terms through proportional representation on party lists in a single nationwide district.

Kazakhstan’s constitutional referendum: Tokayev reaffirms stability amid global tensions

In an address to the nation on the occasion of the Constitution’s entry into force, President Tokayev congratulated citizens on this “epochal event” and framed the reforms as a response to both domestic needs and global challenges. He stated:

“Today begins a new era in the history of sovereign Kazakhstan. We are embarking on the main path of progressive progress, political and economic reforms, and large-scale modernization.”

Tokayev highlighted the referendum as a demonstration of “genuine patriotism and high civic responsibility” and noted the symbolic timing with the start of the “Nauryznama” ten-day national celebration period centered around Nauryz, the traditional spring New Year festival observed across Central Asia and other regions influenced by Persian culture. He linked constitutional principles to themes of renewal, solidarity, and labour for the homeland and expressed confidence that the new legal foundation would help build a “Just Kazakhstan” – a state of equal opportunities focused on law and order, diligence, progress, cleanliness, and love for nature.

Key institutional changes

Unicameral Kurultai: The new legislature assumes many functions of the former Majilis while losing some powers previously held by the Senate. The government will resign before the newly elected body convenes.
Vice Presidency: The office is being reintroduced, with the Vice President positioned to assume presidential duties in cases of early resignation or incapacity.
Halyk Kenesi (People’s Council): A new consultative body to strengthen public input.
Language and modernization: Kazakh is elevated as the primary state language, with increased emphasis on innovation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization.
Other Reforms: Broader updates to human rights provisions and institutional balances aimed at long-term stability.

The current parliament held its final session on 30 June. Tokayev addressed lawmakers, praising the bicameral system’s historical role while positioning the Kurultai as the “most important symbol of New Kazakhstan.” He called for the election of “true patriots” and “proactive individuals with a strong sense of statehood” to the new body.

Next steps: parliamentary elections in August

With the old parliament’s powers terminating on 1 July, elections to the Kurultai are scheduled for August 2026. President Tokayev is expected to issue a decree shortly to formally call the vote, which must occur before 1 September so the new legislature can begin its work. This compressed timeline follows the constitutional transition and reflects the government’s push for rapid implementation of the reforms.

Following the elections, the President will appoint the Vice President with the consent of a simple majority of deputies in the unicameral Kurultai. The Vice President will have clearly defined powers (determined by the President) and will serve as first in line for presidential succession in cases of vacancy or incapacity.

Analysts see the Vice Presidency as a key tool for managed succession planning ahead of the 2029 presidential election, but no names have been officially floated or confirmed at this stage.

The ruling party landscape is also evolving, with the dominant Amanat party recently merging into the newly formed Adilet party, a move Tokayev welcomed as a “historic milestone” ahead of the elections.

Context and broader vision

The 2026 Constitution builds on earlier reforms under Tokayev, including changes after the 2022 unrest and a previous referendum. Supporters view the updates as necessary modernisation to address contemporary realities, enhance efficiency, and reduce elements of the former “super-presidential” system while maintaining strong executive leadership for stability in a geopolitically complex region.

Critics and analysts have raised questions about the concentration of power, the rushed drafting process, and the impact on political pluralism (e.g., the exclusion of independent candidates and reliance on party lists). However, international observers from bodies like the OSCE noted the organized conduct of the referendum.

Tokayev has repeatedly stressed continuity, ruling out early presidential elections and reaffirming the seven-year single-term limit established in 2022, with the next vote due in 2029. The reforms are presented as a pathway to a more responsive, people-centered state capable of navigating global tensions while delivering economic growth and social cohesion.

As Kazakhstan implements this “historic constitutional shift,” the upcoming August elections will serve as the first major test of the new system and Tokayev’s vision for a “Just Kazakhstan.” The coming months will reveal how the restructured institutions balance modernization with the country’s tradition of strong central leadership.

Caption: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the final joint session of the bicametral parliament on 30 June 2026. [Akorda, the website of the President of Kazakhstan]