Constitutional Reforms in Kazakhstan: Toward Modern Governance and Social Consensus

The Republic of Kazakhstan continues to implement a large-scale process of constitutional reforms aimed at adapting its Basic Law to contemporary political, social, and international realities. The drafting of the new Constitution has been the result of broad public dialogue involving regional representatives, the expert community, and civil society activists. The final decision on the document will be made through a nationwide referendum, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to ensuring the public legitimacy of the reform process.

The draft Constitution also reaffirms the principle of a clear separation between religion and the state, strengthening the secular character of education and upbringing. In this context, Kazakhstan’s experience is in many ways comparable to that of Lebanon, a country where numerous religious denominations and cultural traditions coexist. As in Lebanon, Kazakhstan is home to representatives of various faiths and ethnic groups, and the preservation of interfaith harmony is regarded as a key factor of national stability.

An important element of the reform is the establishment of a new unicameral parliament — the Kurultai — composed of 145 deputies elected for five-year terms. In addition, the People’s Council of Kazakhstan is being formed as a nationwide consultative platform with the right of legislative initiative, designed to promote continuous dialogue between the state and all segments of society.

Within the framework of the reform, the institution of Vice President will also be introduced. The Vice President will represent the head of state in interactions with public, scientific, and cultural organizations both domestically and abroad. This mechanism is expected to enhance the effectiveness of communication between the authorities and society.

Overall, the new Constitution is viewed as a foundation for building a more transparent, citizen-oriented, and development-focused state. The reforms in Kazakhstan are not presented as a short-term political campaign, but as a long-term process of institutional strengthening aimed at increasing public trust in state institutions and reinforcing the country’s role in the international arena.