New Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan: a new stage in the State development

The year 2026 became a significant milestone in the history of Kazakhstan. The adoption of the new Constitution at a nationwide referendum marked a large-scale renewal of the country's political and legal system. The new edition provides for substantial changes in the structure of state power, mechanisms for protecting citizens' rights, and principles for the further development of the state.

One of the main transformations was the reform of the legislative branch. Instead of a bicameral Parliament consisting of the Senate and the Mazhilis, a unicameral Kurultai is provided for. Its formation under a proportional representation system is aimed at renewing parliamentary representation and improving the legislative process. The Kurultai is vested with powers to pass laws, review matters regarding the activities of the Government, and participate in coordinating key state appointments.

An important institutional change was the restoration of the post of Vice President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Their appointment is provided for by the President with the consent of the Kurultai. The new model also defines the procedure for transferring the powers of the head of state in the event of early termination of their duties, ensuring legal certainty in matters of state power succession.

A special place in the renewed political system is occupied by the Qazaqstan Xalyq Kenesı, the People's Council, created as the supreme advisory body. Among the powers provided for it are the submission of legislative initiatives for consideration by the Kurultai and proposing the conduct of a nationwide referendum. The activity of the Council is intended to contribute to strengthening social accord, national unity, and interaction between the state and civil society.

The new Constitution also pays attention to modern challenges. In the context of digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence, the protection of private life and personal data becomes particularly significant. Enshrining relevant guarantees reflects the need to improve legal mechanisms for protecting citizens in the digital environment.

Provisions aimed at strengthening human rights guarantees are of substantial importance. These include, among others, the right to judicial protection of one's rights and freedoms, ensuring the right of a detainee to know their rights, guarantees of rights for the protection of its citizens outside the Republic of Kazakhstan, etc.

The Constitution emphasizes matters of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the national values of Kazakhstan. Today, this is especially important for preserving the unity of the country and further sustainable development.

Special attention is deserved by the consolidation of the principles of citizen responsibility to the state. In this regard, Article 38 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan is of important significance, establishing the duty to pay legally established taxes, fees, and other mandatory payments.

This norm reflects one of the fundamental principles of the tax system - the mandatory nature and fairness of taxation.

The payment of taxes ensures the formation of the revenue part of the state budget necessary for funding social obligations, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other priority areas of state policy. At the same time, the establishment of tax obligations must be carried out exclusively on legal grounds, and their fulfillment ensured in accordance with current tax legislation.

Thus, the updating of the Constitution covers a wide range of issues — from the organization of state power and the expansion of legal guarantees to the definition of citizens' duties and the foundations of economic development.

The new Constitution forms the legal foundation for the further development of Kazakhstan, the strengthening of the rule of law, and the enhancement of the accountability of both the state and its citizens. Compliance with its provisions, including the conscientious fulfillment of tax obligations, is an important condition for the sustainable development of the country and the strengthening of trust between society and the state.