The past month marked Kazakhstan’s transition from preparing constitutional reform to its practical implementation. While January focused on the institutional and legal refinement of amendments, in February the process moved into the public and electoral sphere. The central event of the month was the official announcement of the date of the national referendum.
Below are the key events of the month in chronological order.
February 10 – Expanded Government Meeting Chaired by Tokayev
An annual expanded meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held under the chairmanship of President. The meeting reviewed the results of socio-economic development in 2025 and outlined key priorities for the current period. Reports were delivered by the Prime Minister and heads of relevant ministries, and discussions focused on measures to increase household incomes, develop domestic production, and reduce the financial burden on citizens.
February 11 – President Officially Announced the Date of the National Referendum
The President signed a decree scheduling a referendum on the draft new Constitution for March 15, 2026. The Constitutional Commission submitted the final draft of the new Constitution to the Head of State, after which the text was published for public discussion. The constitutional reform thus moved from the stage of expert and public deliberation to a direct electoral procedure.
February 12 – Publication of the Final Version of the Draft Constitution
The day after the referendum was scheduled, the final version of the draft Constitution was published. The document consolidated previously proposed initiatives and formalized key changes to the system of state governance. These include the establishment of a unicameral Parliament (Kurultai), the redistribution of powers among branches of government, changes to the architecture of representative institutions, and an updated model of power transition. The publication of the text marked an important step toward broader public and political debate.
February 12 – Formation of the Coalition “For the People’s Constitution of a Fair and Progressive Kazakhstan!”
On the same day, the creation of a nationwide coalition in support of the draft new Constitution was announced. It brought together representatives of five leading political parties and more than 300 civil society organizations. Participants stated that the new version of the Basic Law aims to modernize the political system, strengthen social guarantees, and expand citizens’ participation in governance. The coalition began outreach efforts in the regions and launched activities to promote informed public participation in the referendum.
February 20 – Participation of President Tokayev at the Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Peace
At the invitation of President Donald Trump, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace held in Washington. In his address, the Head of State emphasized the need to move from declarative statements to concrete actions in the interest of sustainable peace. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to participate in international peacebuilding initiatives and humanitarian support efforts, including economic assistance and post-conflict reconstruction.
February 23 – Referendum Ballot Presented
On February 23, the Central Referendum Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the text and design of the ballot to be used in the upcoming national referendum on March 15 on the draft new Constitution. The ballot will contain the question on the adoption of the new Constitution with two response options: “Yes, I accept” and “No, I do not accept”. It has been prepared in the state and russian languages, in compliance with security printing requirements, and produced in sufficient quantity to cover the entire electorate with an additional reserve.
Thus, February became a month of active political mobilization and systematic preparation for the key event of the spring – the national referendum on the new Constitution. The agenda shifted from conceptual discussions to concrete steps: setting the voting date, publishing the final draft, forming a support coalition, and launching a regional information campaign. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued to demonstrate engagement on the international stage, reaffirming its commitment to its foreign policy course and multilateral cooperation.
Below are the key events of the month in chronological order.
February 10 – Expanded Government Meeting Chaired by Tokayev
An annual expanded meeting of the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held under the chairmanship of President. The meeting reviewed the results of socio-economic development in 2025 and outlined key priorities for the current period. Reports were delivered by the Prime Minister and heads of relevant ministries, and discussions focused on measures to increase household incomes, develop domestic production, and reduce the financial burden on citizens.
February 11 – President Officially Announced the Date of the National Referendum
The President signed a decree scheduling a referendum on the draft new Constitution for March 15, 2026. The Constitutional Commission submitted the final draft of the new Constitution to the Head of State, after which the text was published for public discussion. The constitutional reform thus moved from the stage of expert and public deliberation to a direct electoral procedure.
February 12 – Publication of the Final Version of the Draft Constitution
The day after the referendum was scheduled, the final version of the draft Constitution was published. The document consolidated previously proposed initiatives and formalized key changes to the system of state governance. These include the establishment of a unicameral Parliament (Kurultai), the redistribution of powers among branches of government, changes to the architecture of representative institutions, and an updated model of power transition. The publication of the text marked an important step toward broader public and political debate.
February 12 – Formation of the Coalition “For the People’s Constitution of a Fair and Progressive Kazakhstan!”
On the same day, the creation of a nationwide coalition in support of the draft new Constitution was announced. It brought together representatives of five leading political parties and more than 300 civil society organizations. Participants stated that the new version of the Basic Law aims to modernize the political system, strengthen social guarantees, and expand citizens’ participation in governance. The coalition began outreach efforts in the regions and launched activities to promote informed public participation in the referendum.
February 20 – Participation of President Tokayev at the Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Peace
At the invitation of President Donald Trump, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace held in Washington. In his address, the Head of State emphasized the need to move from declarative statements to concrete actions in the interest of sustainable peace. Kazakhstan reaffirmed its readiness to participate in international peacebuilding initiatives and humanitarian support efforts, including economic assistance and post-conflict reconstruction.
February 23 – Referendum Ballot Presented
On February 23, the Central Referendum Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan presented the text and design of the ballot to be used in the upcoming national referendum on March 15 on the draft new Constitution. The ballot will contain the question on the adoption of the new Constitution with two response options: “Yes, I accept” and “No, I do not accept”. It has been prepared in the state and russian languages, in compliance with security printing requirements, and produced in sufficient quantity to cover the entire electorate with an additional reserve.
Thus, February became a month of active political mobilization and systematic preparation for the key event of the spring – the national referendum on the new Constitution. The agenda shifted from conceptual discussions to concrete steps: setting the voting date, publishing the final draft, forming a support coalition, and launching a regional information campaign. At the same time, Kazakhstan continued to demonstrate engagement on the international stage, reaffirming its commitment to its foreign policy course and multilateral cooperation.