Kazakhstan Adopts New Constitution, Further Distancing From Soviet Past

(Paul Globe – The Jamestown Foundation) More than 70 percent of Kazakhstan’s voters reportedly took part in a March 15 referendum on a new constitution and voted to approve it. The new basic law will enter into force on June 1, with a new parliament to be elected later this year and a new president in 2029. Kazakhstan has frequently amended its constitution in the past, but this is a complete rewrite. The new constitution would limit the president to a single term, allow the president to appoint important government officials, and replace Kazakhstan’s bicameral legislature with a unicameral body. Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev says these changes will allow for the regular change of power, ending the risk that any one person could remain in power for a lengthy period. Some in the opposition, however, argue that the changes make Astana’s system even more “presidential” and consolidate Tokayev’s power. – Kazakhstan Adopts New Constitution, Further Distancing From Soviet Past – Jamestown