US EditionKazakhstanis vote in referendum on new constitution that would cement president’s grip on power
The referendum passed with 73% turnout, creating a single-chamber parliament and expanding presidential appointment powers amid concerns of increased executive control.
- On Sunday, Kazakhs head to the polls in a referendum on expanding presidential powers, with over half of approximately 12.5 million registered voters having cast ballots by 2:00 pm, electoral authorities reported.
- President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev frames the overhaul as post-2022 reforms to enable quicker decisions and rebalance ties with the European Union, Russia, and China.
- The proposals would merge the parliament's two chambers into the Kurultai and abolish the Senate, giving the president appointment powers including restoring the vice‑president post.
- Authorities mobilised famous athletes and workers in the mining and oil industries to boost turnout, while several critics were summoned or briefly detained and journalists fined, international observers said elections are often predictable.
- The amendments would allow the president to dissolve parliament and rule by executive orders if nominees are rejected twice, and analyst Temur Umarov warned it could reset presidential term limits; rights groups say democratic institutions remain tightly controlled.
105 Articles
105 Articles
In Kazakhstan a new constitution has been adopted by referendum, which officially promises more democracy - but by several articles obviously strengthens the power of the President. According to forecasts published by the state media on Sunday evening, more than 86 percent of voters voted for the proposal. The approximately 12.5 million voters had been motivated in advance by a massive campaign for the passage to the urns and a "yes". According …
The Straits Times
The Star Kuala LumpurKazakhstan approves new constitution in referendum, exit polls say
ALMATY/ASTANA, March 16 - Kazakh voters in a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution that may provide President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with a loophole allowing him to stay in power in the Central Asian energy and minerals giant beyond 2029, exit polls showed. Read more at straitstimes.com.
The vote at the national referendum on the adoption of the new Constitution of Kazakhstan was completed and the precincts closed at 8 p.m. local time.
Referendum in Kazakhstan, Approved the New Constitution that Strengthens the Powers of the President
Two exit polls give the yes to 87%. Tokaev can appoint all government officials, as well as a deputy who could become his successor. But also remain in power after the expiry of the mandate in 2029
The Central Asian Republic has voted on a new Basic Law. President Tokayev sees this as an important step towards reform. Critics fear further restriction of freedom rights.
Journalists Detained As Kazakhstan Holds Controversial Referendum
Kazakhstan held a controversial constitutional referendum proposing sweeping political changes critics say could concentrate power in the presidency. The vote took place amid reports of media restrictions, journalist detentions and OSCE concerns about transparency.
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