At the meeting of the Constitutional Commission, key points of the new draft Constitution of Kazakhstan were announced, Tengrinews.kz reports.
The Deputy Chairman of the Constitutional Court, Bakyt Nurmukhanov, presented the draft.
According to him, the document includes a preamble, 11 sections, and 95 articles.
“The preamble has been completely updated and reflects the national values that emphasize the history of the country and serve as a guide for future generations. The new draft enshrines the most important principles of the functioning of the Republic of Kazakhstan,” noted Nurmukhanov.
According to information posted on the website of the Constitutional Court, the new preamble proclaims for the first time that human rights and freedoms are the highest priority of the state. The foundations of the state of Kazakhstan are defined by unity and solidarity, as well as interethnic and interfaith harmony.
Sovereignty, independence, unitarity, and territorial integrity have been classified as immutable values.
In addition, for the first time, the principles of justice, legality, and environmental protection are enshrined in the Constitution.
The draft also clarifies that the people of Kazakhstan are the sole source of state power and the bearer of sovereignty.
Draft of the New Constitution of Kazakhstan
Draft of the New Constitution of Kazakhstan
January 30, 2026
PROJECT
CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
We, the united people of Kazakhstan,
strengthening statehood on the ancestral Kazakh land,
preserving the continuity of the millennia-long history of the Great Steppe,
confirming the unitary nature of the state, the inviolability of its borders and territorial integrity,
following the idea of a Just Kazakhstan and the principle of Law and Order,
declaring the unwavering observance of the rights and freedoms of citizens,
relying on the principles of unity and solidarity, interethnic and interfaith harmony,
orienting towards the values of culture and education, science and innovation,
recognizing the necessity of a careful attitude towards nature,
striving for peace and friendship with all countries,
being aware of the high responsibility to future generations,
adopt this Constitution – the Fundamental Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Section I
Foundations of the Constitutional Order
Article 1
The Republic of Kazakhstan is a democratic, secular, legal, and social state. The highest values of the state are the individual, his life, rights, and freedoms.
Article 2
1. The Republic of Kazakhstan is a unitary state. The form of government is a presidential republic.
2. The sovereignty of the Republic of Kazakhstan extends over its entire territory. The state ensures the integrity, inviolability, and inalienability of its territory.
3. The administrative-territorial structure of the Republic of Kazakhstan is determined by constitutional law.
4. The capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the city of Astana. The status of the capital is determined by law.
5. The names Republic of Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan are equivalent.
6. The sovereignty, independence, unitarity, territorial integrity, and form of government of the Republic of Kazakhstan are immutable.
Article 3
1. The fundamental principles of the activity of the Republic of Kazakhstan are: protection of sovereignty and independence; observance of human rights and freedoms; ensuring the rule of law and order; strengthening national unity; improving the welfare of the people; promoting responsible patriotism; developing public dialogue; affirming the values of hard work and knowledge; forming a high ecological culture; preserving historical and cultural heritage; supporting national culture.
2. The Republic of Kazakhstan recognizes the development of human capital, education, science, and innovation as a strategic direction of its activity.
Article 4
1. The only source of state power and bearer of sovereignty is the people of Kazakhstan.
2. The people exercise power directly through nationwide referendums and free elections or delegates it to state bodies.
3. No one can appropriate power in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Appropriation of power is subject to criminal liability. The right to act on behalf of the people and the state belongs to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kurultai within their constitutional powers. The government and other state bodies represent the state within the limits of the powers delegated to them.
4. State power in the Republic of Kazakhstan is unified and exercised on the basis of the Constitution and laws in accordance with the principle of separation into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Article 5
1. The current law of the Republic of Kazakhstan consists of the norms of the Constitution, corresponding laws, normative acts of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, as well as international treaties ratified by the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. The Constitution has the highest legal force and is applied throughout the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
3. The procedure for the application of international treaties on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan is determined by law.
4. All laws and ratified international treaties must be published. Official publication of acts concerning the rights and freedoms of citizens is a mandatory condition for their application.
5. Laws that impose new obligations on citizens or worsen their situation do not have retroactive effect.
Also, laws that increase liability do not have retroactive effect. In the event of the cancellation or mitigation of liability for an offense, the new law applies.
6. Special legal regimes in the financial sphere or "accelerated development city" regimes may be established for the accelerated economic development of certain regions in accordance with constitutional laws. These regimes may provide for features of state administration and the functioning of the judicial system.
Article 6
1. The Republic of Kazakhstan recognizes ideological and political diversity. The creation of organizations of political parties in state bodies is not allowed.
2. Public associations are equal before the law. The state does not have the right to interfere in the affairs of public associations and vice versa, nor impose on them the functions of state bodies.
3. The creation and activity of public associations aimed at violent change of the foundations of the constitutional order, violation of territorial integrity, undermining national security, or inciting hatred is prohibited.
4. The activity of political parties and trade unions funded by foreign legal entities or states is not allowed.
5. Information about the movement of funds and assets of non-profit organizations received from foreign states must be open.
Article 7
1. Religion is separated from the state.
2. The activities of religious organizations are carried out in accordance with the law and may be restricted to protect the foundations of the constitutional order and human rights.
Article 8
1. Both state and private property are recognized and protected in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
2. The use of property must correspond to the interests of society and not harm the environment. The rights of owners and their protection are determined by law.
3. Land and natural resources belong to the people, and on behalf of the people, the state exercises ownership rights. Land may be privately owned in accordance with the law.
Article 9
1. The state language of the Republic of Kazakhstan is Kazakh.
2. In state bodies, alongside Kazakh, the Russian language is officially used.
3. The state creates conditions for the study and development of the languages of the united people of Kazakhstan.
Article 10
The Republic of Kazakhstan respects international norms and conducts foreign policy based on cooperation and non-interference.
Article 11
The Republic of Kazakhstan has its own state symbols – flag, emblem, and anthem. Their description and procedure for use are determined by constitutional law.
Section II
Basic Rights, Freedoms, and Duties
Article 12
1. Citizenship of the Republic of Kazakhstan is acquired and terminated in accordance with the law and is single and equal regardless of the grounds for its acquisition.
2. A citizen cannot be deprived of citizenship and cannot be expelled from the country, except in cases provided for by the court.
3. Dual citizenship is not allowed.
Article 13
1. A citizen cannot be extradited to a foreign state unless otherwise provided by international treaties.
2. The Republic of Kazakhstan guarantees the protection of its citizens abroad.
Article 14
1. The rights and freedoms of a person are guaranteed in the Republic of Kazakhstan in accordance with the Constitution.
2. Human rights and freedoms belong to everyone from birth and are inalienable.
3. A citizen has duties and rights.
4. Foreign citizens have rights and duties provided for citizens in cases established by the Constitution and international treaties.
5. The exercise of rights and freedoms must not violate the rights of others.
Article 15
1. Everyone has the right to protect their rights by all legal means, including necessary defense.
2. Everyone has the right to judicial protection.
3. The right to qualified legal assistance is guaranteed.
Article 16
1. All are equal before the law.
2. Discrimination on various grounds is not allowed.
Article 17
1. The right to life is an inalienable right of everyone.
2. No one has the right to deprive another of life.
3. The death penalty is prohibited.
Article 18
1. Everyone has the right to personal inviolability and freedom.
2. Detention without a court decision is prohibited.
3. The grounds for the restriction of freedom and the rights of the detained person must be explained.
4. The detained person has the right to a lawyer.
Article 19
1. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
2. No one is obliged to testify against themselves or their relatives.
3. Repeated prosecution for the same offense is prohibited.
Article 20
1. The honor and dignity of a person are protected by law.
2. Torture and cruel treatment are prohibited.
Article 21
1. Everyone has the right to inviolability of private life and protection of personal data.
2. The secrecy of correspondence and communication is protected by law.
3. State bodies must ensure access to information.
Article 22
1. Everyone has the right to determine their national identity.
2. Everyone has the right to their native language and culture.
Article 23
1. Freedom of speech and creativity is guaranteed.
2. Intellectual property is protected.
3. The right to receive and disseminate information is exercised by legal means.
4. Freedom of speech must not violate the rights of others.
5. Censorship is prohibited.
6. The propaganda of violence and hatred is prohibited.
Article 24
1. Everyone has the right to free movement and choice of residence.
2. The right to leave the country may be restricted in accordance with the law.
Article 25
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of conscience.
2. The exercise of this right must not violate the rights of others.
Article 26
1. Citizens have the right to freedom of association. The activities of public associations are regulated by law.
2. Certain categories of citizens cannot belong to parties.
Article 27
1. Everyone has the right to work and freely choose their profession.
2. The state guarantees safe working conditions.
3. The right to protect labor rights is recognized.
4. The right to rest and paid vacations is guaranteed.
Article 28
1. The home is inviolable. Deprivation of housing is possible only by court decision.
2. The state provides citizens with housing in accordance with the law.
Article 29
1. Citizens have the right to private property.
2. No one can be deprived of property except by court decision.
3. The right to freedom of entrepreneurship is guaranteed.
Article 30
1. The family, motherhood, and childhood are under the protection of the state.
2. Marriage is based on voluntary consent.
3. Parents are obliged to care for their children.
Article 31
1. Citizens are guaranteed minimum wage and pension levels.
2. Voluntary social insurance is encouraged.
Article 32
1. Citizens have the right to health protection.
2. The provision of free medical assistance established by law is guaranteed.
3. Paid medical assistance is provided in accordance with the law.
Article 33
1. Citizens have the right to education in state institutions.
2. Education in state institutions is compulsory.
3. The state establishes education standards.
4. The education system is secular, except for religious organizations.
Article 34
1. Citizens are obliged to treat nature with care.
2. The state ensures the protection of the environment.
3. Concealment of facts threatening human life entails liability.
Article 35
Citizens have the right to peaceful assemblies and demonstrations. This right may be restricted by law to protect the rights and freedoms.
Article 36
1. Citizens have the right to participate in the management of the state.
2. Citizens have the right to elect and be elected.
3. Citizens recognized as incapacitated do not have the right to vote.
4. Citizens have equal access to public service.
Article 37
1. Everyone is obliged to observe the Constitution and laws.
2. Everyone is obliged to respect state symbols.
Article 38
Payment of taxes is the duty of every citizen.
Article 39
1. The defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the sacred duty of every citizen.
2. Citizens serve in the military in accordance with the law.
Article 40
Citizens are obliged to care for cultural heritage.
Article 41
1. Rights and freedoms may be restricted only in accordance with the law.
2. Unconstitutional actions that violate consent are not allowed.
3. Restrictions on rights for political motives are not permissible.
Section III
The President
Article 42
1. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the head of state, determining the main directions of policy.
2. The President is a symbol of the unity of the people and a guarantor of rights and freedoms.
3. The President ensures the coordinated functioning of power.
Article 43
1. The President is elected for seven years by universal suffrage.
2. The same person cannot be elected more than once.
3. The candidate must be a citizen by birth and meet certain requirements.
4. Elections are held no later than two months before the end of the powers of the current President.
5. A candidate who receives more than 50% of the votes is considered elected.
Article 44
1. The President takes office after taking the oath.
2. The oath is taken within a month after the elections.
3. The powers of the President cease upon the inauguration of the new President.
Article 45
1. The President cannot hold other positions or belong to parties.
2. Close relatives cannot hold positions in the state.
Article 46
The President:
1) addresses the people about the state of affairs;
2) appoints and dismisses the Vice-President with the consent of the Kurultai;
3) calls elections to the Kurultai and signs laws;
4) appoints heads of key state bodies;
5) is responsible for national security;
6) conducts international negotiations and signs treaties;
7) establishes awards and honors citizens;
8) exercises the right of pardon;
9) takes measures in case of threats to security;
10) forms the Administration of the President.
Article 47
The President issues decrees that are mandatory for execution.
The President may issue acts in the absence of the Kurultai.
Article 48
1. The President and his family have immunity.
2. The security of the President is provided by the state.
Article 49
1. The Vice-President is appointed by the President with the consent of the Kurultai.
2. The Vice-President cannot hold other positions.
Article 50
The President may resign at will.
2. The President may be relieved of duties due to illness.
Article 51
1. In case of resignation, powers are transferred to the Vice-President.
3. Elections are held within two months after the release.
Section IV
The Kurultai
Article 52
1. The Kurultai is the highest legislative body.
2. Powers begin with the opening of the first session.
3. Powers may be terminated prematurely.
Article 53
1. The Kurultai consists of 145 deputies elected by a proportional system.
2. The term of office of deputies is five years.
Article 54
1. Elections are held on the basis of universal suffrage.
Article 55
1. Deputies are obliged to participate in the work of the Kurultai.
2. A deputy cannot hold other positions.
Article 56
The Kurultai:
1) adopts laws;
2) decides on matters of war and peace;
3) announces presidential elections;
4) gives consent to appointments;
5) hears reports.
Article 57
1. The Chairman is elected from among the deputies.
Article 58
1. Sessions are held in the form of meetings.
2. The first session is convened by the President.
Article 59
1. The Kurultai forms permanent committees.
Article 60
1. The right of legislative initiative belongs to the President and deputies.
Article 61
1. The Kurultai adopts laws that are mandatory for all.
Article 62
1. The President dissolves the Kurultai after consultations.
Section V
The Government
Article 63
1. The Government exercises executive power.
Article 64
1. The Government is formed by the President.
Article 65
The Government develops policy and presents the budget.
Article 66
The Prime Minister organizes the work of the Government.
Article 67
1. Members of the Government are responsible for their work.
Article 68
The Government issues resolutions that are mandatory for execution.
2. Resolutions must not contradict the Constitution.
Article 69
The Government resigns before the new Kurultai.
Section VI
The Kazakhstan People's Assembly
Article 70
1. The Kazakhstan People's Assembly is the highest advisory body.
Article 71
The Kazakhstan People's Assembly develops recommendations on domestic policy.
Section VII
The Constitutional Court
Article 72
1. The Constitutional Court ensures the supremacy of the Constitution.
Article 73
The Constitutional Court considers appeals on issues of legality.
Article 74
1. Laws recognized as unconstitutional are not subject to application.
Section VIII
Justice
Article 76
Justice is administered by the court.
Article 77
The judicial power protects the rights of citizens.
Article 78
A judge is independent and subject only to the law.
Article 79
The court cannot apply laws that infringe on the rights of citizens.
Article 80
Courts consist of independent judges.
Article 81
Financing of courts is carried out from the budget.
Article 82
The Supreme Court is the highest body for cases.
Article 83
1. The Chairman of the Supreme Court is appointed by the President.
Article 84
The Prosecutor's Office supervises legality.
Article 85
The Ombudsman protects the rights of citizens.
Section IX
Local Government
Article 87
Local government is carried out by local bodies.
Article 88
Local representative bodies express the will of the population.
Article 89
Local executive bodies implement state policy.
Article 90
1. Maslikhats make decisions on matters within their competence.
Article 91
1. Local self-government is recognized.
Section X
Amendments to the Constitution
Article 92
Amendments are made by nationwide referendum.
Article 93
Amendments are submitted to a referendum with the conclusion of the Constitutional Court.
Section XI
Final Provisions
Article 94
The Constitution comes into force upon publication.
Article 95
Laws in force at the time of the Constitution's entry into force apply to the extent that they do not contradict it.
