Validated referendum in Kazakhstan: 87.15% approve the new Constitution that simplifies the Parliament and reinstates the vice-presidency.

According to the Central Electoral Commission, Kazakhstan has adopted a new Constitution, with 87.15% of votes in favor. The turnout for the referendum was 73.12%. The new Constitution simplifies the structure of the parliament and reintroduces the position of vice president, abolished in 1996, giving President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev the right to appoint this official and other key officials.

This rapid change has sparked speculation among analysts that Tokayev may seek to name a successor and leave office before the end of his term. Tokayev stated that the presidential elections will take place in 2029, at the end of his term, emphasizing that the new Constitution will not facilitate an imminent transfer of power.