Kasachstan
On February 11, 2026, Kazakhstan published a draft of a new Constitution, with a national referendum scheduled for March 15, 2026. The reform process began after President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a unicameral Parliament on September 8, 2025. A working group on parliamentary reform prepared the draft, and public discussions were held across political platforms and in the media. The new text is presented as completing Kazakhstan’s institutional transformation and introducing a new constitutional model.
However, civil society organizations have raised serious concerns about several proposed amendments. A key issue is the revised approach to freedom of speech. While the current Constitution clearly guarantees free speech and prohibits censorship, the draft introduces language stating that freedom of speech must not 'infringe on public morality,' without defining that term. This vague wording could potentially be used to suppress dissent and limit free expression.
Additionally, the draft removes a reference to international law taking precedence over domestic law. It also undermines the independence of national human rights institutions by doing away with Senate approval of Kazakhstan’s Ombudsman, who is appointed by the president. These changes have sparked fears that the amendments could lead to violations of international human rights law and weaken the checks and balances on executive power.
As the referendum date approaches, both domestic and international observers are closely monitoring the situation, urging Kazakh authorities to ensure that the process respects human rights and democratic principles.
