Kazakhstan intends to carry out constitutional reform .On 11 February 2026, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, signed a decree scheduling a national referendum on 15 March to adopt a new Constitution.

The reform was initiated by the President's proposal to transition to a unicameral Parliament, first announced on 8 September 2025. The aim is to modernise the political system and support Kazakhstan's socio-economic development, including in the era of artificial intelligence.

On 8 October, a Working Group on Parliamentary Reform was established, including legal experts, political party representatives and civil society members. Over several months, more than 2,000 proposals from citizens and experts were reviewed.

At the fifth session of the National Kurultai in January 2026, President Tokayev presented the results of public consultations and the overall vision of the reform. Initially, amendments were expected to affect about 40 articles of the Constitution, but public discussion showed the scope would be broader.

On 21 January, a Constitutional Commission of 130 members was created, representing government, academia, media, regional councils, and civil society.

The Commission is chaired by Elvira Azimova, Chair of the Constitutional Court, with State Counsellor Yerlan Karin and Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balaeva as deputies.

A key element of the reform is the transformation of the parliamentary system. The shift to a unicameral Kurultai elected by proportional representation simplifies the structure of government and strengthens its political role.

The draft also proposes abolishing presidential and ethnic quotas while retaining social representation quotas, expanding parliamentary oversight over judicial and senior state appointments, reducing bureaucracy, and optimising legislative processes.

Key innovations include establishing the office of Vice-President and the People's Council, promoting national dialogue and institutional stability.

Overall, the draft Constitution represents a comprehensive modernisation of Kazakhstan's political system, ensuring transparency, stability, and a clearer distribution of powers among branches of government.