Trending 
Kazakhstan is holding a high-stakes constitutional referendum this Sunday, a move President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev characterises as a pivotal transition toward a more “just” and democratic nation.
The proposal aims to overhaul approximately 80 per cent of the country’s basic law, supposedly moving away from a “super-presidential” system.
Following the deadly 2022 protests over living costs, Tokayev has positioned these amendments as a necessary redistribution of power that will modernise state governance and strengthen the system of checks and balances.
Despite the democratic branding, several critics and rights groups argue that the reforms may actually consolidate executive authority.
The amendments propose abolishing the Senate and replacing it with a single-chamber assembly called the Kurultai.
Notably, the president would gain the power to directly appoint heads of the central bank, intelligence services, and the constitutional court—roles that currently require legislative approval.
Additionally, the new assembly could be dissolved by the president if it twice rejects his nominees for key government posts.
The path to the referendum has raised concerns among international observers due to a truncated two-week campaign period and reports of suppressed dissent.
Independent journalists have faced fines, and several activists were detained ahead of the vote.
To ensure high participation, the government has mobilised influential athletes and workers from the vital oil and mining sectors.
While Tokayev maintains that the changes mark a break with an authoritarian past, the inclusion of vague new restrictions on free speech suggests a continued tightening of political control in Central Asia’s wealthiest economy.
