Kazakhstan to Adopt New “People-centric” Constitution
For the first time, the Constitution declares human rights and freedoms as the highest priority of the state, forming the guiding principle of the entire text.
By Aditi Bhaduri
Kazakhstan is set to adopt a new “human”-centric constitution. The Central Asian country’s Constitutional Court has unveiled the draft of a new Constitution on January 31. This is a crucial event in the political modernisation and reforms that has been Initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
On 8 September 2025, President Tokayev proposed a transition to a unicameral Parliament during his annual Address to the Nation. Thereafter, a Parliamentary Reform Working Group was formed in October 2025, to assess, evaluate, recommend and invite suggestions for the broad-based amendments the country seeks to implement. Over six months, it received more than 2,000 proposals from citizens through the e-Otinish and eGov platforms, demonstrating substantial public engagement.
In January this year the Constitutional Commission was instituted, consisting of 130 members, representing every region and diverse segments of society, including members of the National Kurultai, legal scholars, civil society, government officials, journalists, and local representatives.
The Commission reviewed proposals affecting 77 articles, representing 84% of the current Constitution. The depth and scope of proposed changes led to the decision to draft an entirely new constitutional text. All meetings were publicly broadcast, allowing legal experts, human rights advocates, parliamentarians, analysts, and academics to participate.
Importantly, the draft constitution does not upend the existing constitution, rather it seeks to continue its legacy, by acknowledging the important role it has played in Kazakhstan’s state‑building. The new text positions itself as a logical evolution—reflecting institutional maturity, strengthened international image, and a forward‑looking approach to governance.
Key Changes Envisaged
The draft consists of a Preamble, 11 sections, and 95 articles, modernising outdated terminology and reflecting the country’s evolving political and social landscape.
The new Constitution establishes a unicameral Parliament, known as the Kurultai, composed of 145 deputies elected entirely by proportional representation for a five-year term. This is intended to strengthen political parties, enhance accountability, and streamline legislative processes.
A People’s Council of Kazakhstan is also to be created. This will serve as a new nationwide consultative body, which will represent public interest, and will enlarge the scope of public participation in governance.
A new institution will be created – that of Vice President. The Vice President will represent the President in cooperation with domestic and international socio‑political, scientific, cultural, and educational institutions.
The draft Constitution significantly expands legal guarantees and procedural rights. New or enhanced safeguards include: A dedicated constitutional article on the legal profession, ensuring protection of advocacy; Stronger intellectual property rights; Prohibition of retroactive laws that worsen legal positions or impose new obligations; Reinforced presumption of innocence; A constitutional ban on double jeopardy; Enshrinement of the “Miranda rule”, guaranteeing individuals the right to be informed of their legal rights upon detention
These reforms aim to modernise Kazakhstan’s justice system, aligning it with global standards.
Human Rights & Freedoms Priority
What, however, makes the changes proposed truly people-centric is putting human rights at the core of the country’s legal framework.
For the first time, the Constitution declares human rights and freedoms as the highest priority of the state, forming the guiding principle of the entire text.
Other foundational values include unity, solidarity, and interethnic and interfaith harmony; sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unitary nature of the state; justice, law and order, and stewardship of nature; recognition of the people as the sole source of state power and sovereignty.
The new Constitution places education, science, culture, and innovation at the heart of national development. This marks a strategic shift from natural resource reliance to human capital as the primary driver of growth.
For the first time, citizens’ rights in the digital environment will be constitutionally protected, which both acknoedges and reflects Kazakhstan’s growing digital transformation.
Reinforcing Kazakhstan’s Secular Credentials
The Constitution reinforces Kazakhstan ‘s secular credentials, and the firm separation of state and religion, reaffirming the secular character of education and public life.
Family and Social Values are equally held up by the new constitution. Marriage is defined constitutionally as a voluntary union between a man and a woman, framed as a measure aimed at protecting traditional values and strengthening legal guarantees for women.
The draft Constitution, it can be said, marks a significant transition to the country’s modernisation, rule of law, transparency, participatory governance, setting the stage for further reforms in future. This is in line with President Tokayev’s vision for Kazakhstan as a vibrant, functioning, prosperous, and modern republic.
The constitutional reform process continues with active public participation. Citizens can submit feedback via the e‑Otinish and eGov platforms. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Commission continues refining the draft ahead of the vote.
The final decision on adopting the new Constitution will be made by citizens through a nationwide referendum.
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