Comprehensive Constitutional Transformation – A Step Towards Democracy Comprehensive Constitutional Transformation – A New Stage of the Country’s Political Modernization

At the Fifth Session of the National Kurultai, the key contours of the upcoming constitutional reform were outlined. The reform is intended to transform the Basic Law of the country and bring it into maximum conformity with the conceptual foundations of the official political course pursued by the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Head of State emphasized that the forthcoming constitutional reform would provide a positive impetus for the country’s development, as it is aimed at deep modernization of the political system and strengthening the role of the individual within the state.

The theses voiced by the President regarding the upcoming constitutional reform indicate a movement toward the genuine establishment of a democratic society in the country.

In turn, the work of the Commission represents an important and significant step in the constitutional reform process. The Commission includes deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, chairpersons of maslikhats, heads of mass media organizations, public figures, representatives of state bodies, regional public councils, as well as members of the expert and academic communities. Members of the Constitutional Commission conduct a comprehensive analysis of individual norms, articles, and sections of the Basic Law, discuss the legal aspects of the proposed amendments, and submit final recommendations. Today, the key objective of the reform is to create an impeccable legislative system capable of protecting the interests of the people and withstanding the test of time.

On January 28, 2026, a consolidated draft of amendments to the Constitution of Kazakhstan was presented to the members of the Constitutional Reform Commission. The proposed updated Constitution includes a preamble, 11 sections, and 104 articles. Two new sections—“People’s Council” and “Amendments and Additions to the Constitution”—have been introduced, while four other sections have been renamed.

Overall, the amendments and additions affect all sections of the Basic Law, with changes made to 77 articles, which constitutes 84 percent of the text of the Constitution.

The innovations outlined in the consolidated draft affect the very foundation of Kazakhstan’s constitutional framework. They fundamentally transform the appearance of the Basic Law and contain significant potential for further institutional and structural transformations. At the same time, guarantees for the realization and protection of constitutional rights and freedoms of individuals and citizens are being strengthened, which allows one to speak of a profound transformation and renewal of the content of the Constitution.

The constitutional reform in Kazakhstan has become a turning point in the country’s development. As noted by political scientists, it is aimed at deep modernization of the political system and strengthening the role of the individual in the state.

Yerezhepova A.A.,

Assistant Professor, Department of Economics