Referendum on new Constitution: voting results announced

Tengrinews.kz – The Central Referendum Commission (CRC) has announced the results of the vote on the referendum for the adoption of a new Constitution.

According to the CRC, 7,954,667 citizens voted in favor of adopting the new Constitution. This is 87.15 percent of those who voted.

898,099 people voted against.

"The referendum on the question 'Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the mass media on February 12, 2026?' is considered valid, as more than half, or 73.12 percent, of citizens entitled to participate in the referendum took part in the vote," the statement said.

"The new Constitution submitted for voting in the republican referendum is considered adopted, as a positive decision on its adoption was made by more than half of the citizens, or 87.15 percent, who participated in the vote, from more than two-thirds of the regions, cities of republican significance and the capital," the CRC added.

How the referendum was held

On March 15, a referendum on the adoption of a new Constitution was held in Kazakhstan. Polling stations across the country were open from 07:00 to 20:00.

Citizens of Kazakhstan over 18 years old included in voter lists were eligible to vote. A total of 12,461,796 people were on the lists.

On the day of the referendum, 10,388 polling stations were opened across the country. Another 71 stations operated at Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions in 54 countries.

By 10:00, 2,393,844 people had received ballots, which amounted to 19.21 percent of voters.

By 12:00, 4,677,595 people had voted, or 37.54 percent of citizens included in the lists.

By 14:00, the referendum was сonsidered valid — 6,471,378 people had taken part in the vote, and turnout reached 51.93 percent.

Reference: a referendum is considered valid if more than half of eligible voters participate.

By 16:00, 8,029,286 people had voted at polling stations. By 18:00, 8,845,280 voters had cast their ballots, which amounted to more than 70 percent of the total number of voters.

By 20:00, after the closing of polling stations, 9,126,850 people had taken part in the referendum. According to preliminary data from the Central Referendum Commission, turnout amounted to 73.24 percent. Final results are expected to be announced by March 21, 2026.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated citizens on the adoption of the new Constitution. The Head of State stated that the nationwide referendum was held at the highest level, openly and fairly.

About the new Constitution

The changes affected about 84 percent of the text of the Constitution — the country’s fundamental law.

Among the key innovations are the introduction of the position of vice president, the transition to a unicameral Parliament — the Kurultai, as well as the creation of a new advisory body — the People’s Council of Kazakhstan.

Requirements for presidential candidates have also changed: they must now have at least five years of experience in public service or elected positions. At the same time, the rule that the president is elected for only one term remains.

In addition, the Constitution enshrines new provisions on citizens’ rights and freedoms, protection of personal data, the status of languages and religion, as well as marriage as a union between a man and a woman. It also introduces rules on international treaties, special legal regimes in regions, and transparency of foreign funding for organizations.