Kazakhstan's authorities said voters approved a new constitution in a March 15 referendum with more than 87% support and turnout exceeding 73%, introducing sweeping political reforms that expand presidential authority and restructure the legislature, AP reported on March 16.

The reforms merge Kazakhstan's bicameral Parliament into a single legislative body, restore the institution of the vice presidency, establish a presidentially appointed People's Council with the authority to initiate legislation and referendums, and expand presidential control over appointments to key institutions. The new constitution also removes the previous clause granting primacy to international law and introduces provisions allowing broader restrictions of certain rights on the basis of public morality and national values. The referendum took place amid rising economic dissatisfaction, with inflation reaching 11.7% in February and growing concern within the leadership about the potential for renewed protest activity similar to the nationwide unrest in 2022.