Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Declares New Era as Kazakhstan's Constitution Takes Effect

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that the implementation of the country’s new constitution on July 1 restructures the nation’s political system, marking the beginning of a new era in its history.

In a message to the nation published by the Kazakh presidential press service on Wednesday, Tokayev said, "Today represents the start of a new era in the history of sovereign Kazakhstan. We embark on an important path toward progress and development, political and economic reform, and comprehensive modernization. This day signifies a fundamental restructuring of the political system and a transformation of the main institutions of the state and civil society."

Tokayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is definitively abandoning the system of super-presidential rule. He congratulated citizens on this historic event, noting that the people made a decisive choice in the March 15 referendum approving the new constitution, which will shape the country’s development for decades to come.

He underlined, "By uniting as a cohesive national entity, we will undoubtedly rise to the highest levels of global civilization and build a just Kazakhstan—a state that provides equal opportunities and comprehensive development for all citizens without exception."

The new constitution of Kazakhstan took effect on July 1. The previous constitution had been in force since 1995 and underwent numerous significant amendments over the past thirty years. The new constitution introduces a transition to a unicameral parliamentary system, establishes the position of vice president, reforms advisory bodies, and includes other structural changes.