Kazakhstan approves new constitution: 87.15% vote in favour, election commission says

RiddleMaster · 2026-03-16T10:44:45+00:00

Kazakhstan's referendum resulted in 87.15% support for a new constitution, with a 73.12% turnout. The changes include a reformed parliament and reinstating the vice presidency, potentially hinting at President Tokayev's political intentions.

RiddleMaster

2026-03-16 10:44:45

Abstract generation in progress

ALMATY, March 16 (Reuters) - Kazakhstan voted 87.15% in favour of adopting a new constitution, ‌the Central Election Commission said on Monday.

Voter turnout for the referendum stood at 73.12%, the commission said.

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The new constitution streamlines the country’s Parliament and recreates the ⁠office of vice president, which was abolished in 1996. It gives the president the right to appoint the vice president, as well as a host of other key officials.

The constitution’s swift drafting prompted some analysts in Kazakhstan to suggest that President ‌Kassym-Jomart ⁠Tokayev might be looking to anoint a successor as vice president and leave office early, or to stay in his post with ⁠a new constitution resetting his term limits.

After voting in the capital, Astana, Tokayev, asked whether the ⁠constitution would facilitate a coming transfer of power, said that the next presidential ⁠election would take place in 2029 when his term ends.

Reporting by Mariya Gordeyeva; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Thomas Derpinghaus

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