Tengrinews.kz — President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the nationwide referendum was held at the highest level, openly and fairly, and also congratulated his fellow citizens on the adoption of the new Constitution, citing Akorda.
The Head of State emphasized that both domestic and foreign observers noted that all legal requirements and democratic standards had been strictly observed.
“The final results of the citizens’ expression of will will be officially summed up by the Central Referendum Commission in accordance with the law. But even now, we can say that the citizens of Kazakhstan have demonstrated a vivid example of unity, solidarity, patriotism, and shared responsibility for the fate of the Motherland. The overwhelming majority of our citizens chose the bright path of Progress, Justice, Law, Order, Love of Nature, and Cleanliness. This is a very good path. This people’s Constitution will lead us to new achievements and success — there is no doubt about that.”
Photo by the press service of Akorda
A record-high turnout was registered, and the President thanked everyone who came to the polling stations and clearly expressed their civic position.
“In doing so, we showed the whole world the political culture of our Kazakh society. Where there is unity, there is life. Where there is unity, there is prosperity. In unity, the strength of the country is born. For Kazakhstan to become a progressive, advanced, and competitive country, it is critically important for us to preserve peace and friendship, and to show patience and perseverance, creativity and diligence, hard work and responsibility.”
According to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Constitution, which received nationwide support and was approved by the will of the people, is an important guideline on the path of our state’s development.
“The new Constitution is the foundation of our Independence and Sovereignty. The Basic Law is an inviolable guarantee of human rights and freedoms. As one nation, we have taken an important step toward building a just society in which Law and Order are strictly observed, and citizens are marked by high responsibility and a constructive spirit. Today, we have opened a new page in the chronicle of the country.”
The President stressed that extensive work lies ahead. What matters is that Kazakhstanis are firmly supporting deep transformations.
“I am sincerely convinced that by joining forces in the name of common interests, we will leave future generations a Progressive and Advanced Kazakhstan. I express my sincere gratitude to the youth who took an active part in the referendum. It is encouraging that young people made such a vivid statement during this campaign. May our sacred Independence be eternal. May our beloved Motherland — the Republic of Kazakhstan — prosper. I congratulate everyone on the adoption of the new Constitution!,” the Head of State concluded.
Earlier, the results of the exit polls conducted during the national referendum on the new Constitution were announced in Kazakhstan.
According to the Eurasian Integration Institute, 86.7 percent voted in favor of adopting the new Constitution. A poll by the Socis-A Institute showed that 87.4 percent voted in favor of the new Constitution.
Exit poll results from the Institute of Public Policy showed that 88.6 percent of respondents supported the new Constitution.
How Kazakhstanis voted in the referendum
On March 15, Kazakhstan held a referendum on the new Constitution. Polling stations across the country operated from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Voting rights were granted to Kazakhstan citizens over the age of 18 who were included in the voter lists. A total of 12,461,796 people were included in the lists.
On the day of the referendum, 10,388 polling stations were open across the country. Another 71 polling stations were opened at Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions in 54 countries around the world. At 92 polling stations, mainly in military units, commissions began work earlier — at 6:00 a.m.
Voters in Astana / Photo: Tengrinews.kz / Marzhan Kuandykova
By 10:00 a.m., 2,393,844 Kazakhstanis had received ballots, which amounted to 19.21 percent of citizens eligible to vote.
By 12:00 p.m., that number had risen to 4,677,595 voters, or 37.54 percent of the citizens included in the lists.
By 2:00 p.m., the referendum was declared valid. 6,471,378 people had taken part in the vote. Turnout at that point was 51.93 percent.
Voters in Astana / Photo: Tengrinews.kz / Marzhan Kuandykova
By 4:00 p.m., 8,029,286 Kazakhstanis had voted, and by 6:00 p.m., more than 70 percent of voters — 8,845,280 people — had cast their ballots.
By 8:00 p.m., 9,126,850 people had taken part in the referendum. The Central Referendum Commission recorded preliminary turnout at 73.24 percent.
The results will be announced by March 21, 2026.
New Constitution
It should be recalled that the constitutional amendments affected 84 percent of the text of the country’s main law.
Among the key changes are the introduction of the position of vice president, the transition to a unicameral parliament — the Kurultai, and the creation of a new advisory body — the People’s Council of Kazakhstan.
A new requirement has also been introduced for presidential candidates: at least five years of experience in public service or elected office. In addition, the powers of the Head of State in appointing high-ranking officials have been expanded. At the same time, the rule that the president is elected for only one term remains in force.
Additionally, the document enshrines new provisions on citizens’ rights and freedoms, the status of languages, the regulation of religion, marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and also introduces additional rules on the protection of personal data and privacy.
Furthermore, the amendments provide for new rules for international treaties, special legal regimes in the regions, and transparency of foreign funding for organizations.
