Story perspectives

Kazakhstan's Referendum: 87% Approve Controversial Constitutional Changes

3/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Kazakhstan held a referendum on March 15, 2026, where approximately 87% of voters approved a new constitution aimed at decentralizing power and reducing the influence of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The amendments restore the vice presidency, allow the president to appoint key officials, and streamline the parliament into a single chamber, with a voter turnout of about 73%.
Critics warn these changes may consolidate presidential power and enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond 2029, following unrest in 2022 that prompted promises of political reform.

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Story summary

Kazakhstan held a referendum on March 15, 2026, where approximately 87% of voters approved a new constitution aimed at decentralizing power and reducing the influence of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev.
The amendments restore the vice presidency, allow the president to appoint key officials, and streamline the parliament into a single chamber, with a voter turnout of about 73%.
Critics warn these changes may consolidate presidential power and enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond 2029, following unrest in 2022 that prompted promises of political reform.