Constitution Day

Kazakhstan's new Constitution was adopted in a nationwide referendum on 15 March 2026, with a turnout of 73 per cent and 87 per cent voting yes. It entered into force on 1 July 2026, replacing the Constitution in force since 1995.

The new Constitution replaced the two-chamber parliament with a single-chamber Kurultai of 145 deputies, restored the office of vice-president and created the People's Council of Kazakhstan to represent citizens' interests. Kazakh remains the state language, and Kazakhstan remains a unitary, secular, law-based and social state.

The holiday

Under the new Constitution the day of its adoption is a state holiday: from 1 July 2026 Constitution Day is celebrated on 15 March instead of 30 August, with ceremonies in state institutions and lessons on the Basic Law in schools and universities.