Kazakhstan: Largest country in Central Asia approves new constitution
Kazakhstan Approves New Constitution in Referendum
On March 15, Kazakhstan’s largest nation in Central Asia finalized its adoption of a revised constitution following a national referendum. The Central Electoral Commission validated the outcome, aligning with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s assertion in a late-night address. “This day marks a pivotal moment for our country,” Tokayev stated, emphasizing that citizens voted to support the constitutional overhaul, shaping Kazakhstan’s future trajectory.
President’s Expanded Authority
The new constitution bolsters the president’s role, granting him broader appointment powers. With Senate approval, he can now name leaders of the Constitutional Court, Supreme Judicial Council, National Bank, National Security Committee, and Prosecutor General. Additionally, he will appoint heads of the Supreme Court, Central Electoral Commission, Supreme Audit Chamber, State Security Service, and Human Rights Commissioner. The president also gains authority to select 10 Constitutional Court judges, six Central Electoral Commission members, and eight Supreme Audit Chamber officials, all under the new unicameral Kurultai parliament.
Contingency for Kurultai Rejection
A key clause outlines the president’s ability to dissolve the Kurultai if it rejects his nominee selections twice. In such cases, he may issue decrees with the authority of constitutional laws or national statutes. The Kurultai’s chairperson and vice president are also bound by this rule, ensuring executive control over critical institutions.
Reinstated Vice President Role
The reform reintroduces the position of vice president, a role previously held from 1991 to 1996. Under the new structure, the vice president will represent the nation abroad, act as the president’s delegate in parliamentary sessions, and engage with domestic and international cultural, scientific, and social groups. While specific responsibilities remain at the president’s discretion, the role underscores a shift toward a more structured leadership framework.
Freedom of Speech and Language Shift
Amendments to the freedom of speech clause expand protections to include “scientific, technical, and artistic creativity,” as noted by political scientist Gaziz Abishev. Meanwhile, a subtle adjustment in language provisions now describes Kazakh and Russian as being used “alongside,” signaling Kazakh’s prioritization over Russian. “Official documents in Kazakh will hold the highest validity,” Abishev explained, adding that discrepancies between language versions will favor the Kazakh text.
“Official documents in the Kazakh language will have the highest authenticity. This means that if versions of the same document in different languages contradict each other, the version in Kazakh will be considered the correct one,” said political scientist Gaziz Abishev.
Enhanced Data Protection and Religious Autonomy
The updated constitution strengthens personal data safeguards and explicitly separates religion from state influence. It also defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, aligning with recent legislation banning LGBTQ+ propaganda. These changes reflect a broader emphasis on traditional values and national identity.
International Commitments Revisited
Kazakhstan, a member of numerous global organizations including the UN and Paris Agreement, has modified its constitutional stance on international obligations. Previously, the country prioritized foreign commitments over domestic laws, but the new text removes the requirement to “renounce the first use of armed force.” While international law remains a cornerstone, the constitution now allows for greater flexibility in balancing global and national priorities.
