Constitutional Reform in Kazakhstan: How the 2026 Referendum Will Be Conducted

Preparations are in full swing across the country for a national referendum on the draft of the new Constitution. The vote is officially scheduled for March 15, 2026, as reported by Kazinform.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) is responsible for the organization and execution of the process, acting as the Central Referendum Commission. The total duration of the campaign, from the official appointment date to the day of voting, spans 32 days.

Voting Logistics and Voter Turnout

According to Azamat Aimakumov, a member of the Central Referendum Commission, 12,416,759 citizens of Kazakhstan are eligible to participate. A total of 10,413 polling stations will be operational:

• 9,779 stations at citizens' places of permanent registration;
• 634 stations at locations of temporary residence;
• 82 stations at Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions across 64 countries.

Campaign Regulations and Legal Restrictions

Agitation and promotion efforts are conducted through mass media, public rallies, and the distribution of printed materials. However, strict legal boundaries are in place:

• Anonymous materials: The distribution of unsigned or anonymous campaign materials is prohibited (fines start at 25 MCI).
• Prohibited Content: Promoting the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, violating the country's integrity, or inciting social discord is strictly forbidden.
• "Day of Silence": Engaging in agitation on the eve of the vote or on election day carries fines ranging from 15 to 35 MCI.

Budget and Citizen Participation

The estimated cost for conducting the referendum is 20.8 billion tenge. Approximately 75% of this budget is allocated toward the salaries of the precinct commission members.

Nurlan Abdirov, Chairman of the Central Referendum Commission, urged Kazakhstani citizens to be active during this historic moment:

 "We call on you to show civic responsibility and exercise your right to participate in the national referendum on March 15, 2026" - N. Abdirov.

On February 12, the draft of the new Constitution, incorporating proposals from citizens and experts, was officially published. Additionally, a nationwide coalition titled "For the People’s Constitution of a Just and Progressive Kazakhstan!" was formed in Astana, uniting the country's leading political forces.