Voters in Kazakhstan have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution strengthening the authority of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, according to preliminary results from the Central Election Commission.
More than 87% backed the reforms in Sunday’s referendum, with turnout exceeding 73%. The changes introduce major political and legal reforms in the Central Asian country.
Key areas the referendum addressed:
• Political restructuring: Kazakhstan’s bicameral parliament will be replaced by a single-chamber legislature, while the post of vice-president will be restored.
• Expanded presidential authority: The president gains greater influence over appointing senior officials, with parliamentary approval.
• New governing body: A People’s Council, whose members are appointed by the president, will be able to initiate legislation and referendums.
• Social provisions: The constitution defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
Analysts say the reforms could reshape Kazakhstan’s political system and potentially allow Tokayev, currently limited to a single seven-year term ending in 2029, to reset presidential term limits.
The referendum comes amid economic pressure, with inflation reaching 11.7% in February, raising concerns about renewed unrest similar to the deadly nationwide protests seen in 2022.
ℹ️ AP News
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