On January 31, 2026, the Constitutional Commission published a draft of the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The draft proposes a number of key changes:

A unicameral Kurultai consisting of 145 deputies elected under a proportional system for a five-year term. The proposed model would change the mechanism of parliamentary representation and the role of political parties.

Establishment of the Қазақстанның Халық Кеңесі (People’s Council of Kazakhstan) as the highest consultative body representing the interests of the people of Kazakhstan. The draft provides for the Council to have the right of legislative initiative.

Introduction of the institution of Vice President. Under the draft, the Vice President would, among other functions, interact on behalf of the President with public and political, scientific, and cultural and educational organizations in Kazakhstan and abroad.

Strengthening citizens’ rights and legal guarantees. The draft provides for a separate article on the legal profession and advocacy, protection of intellectual property, a prohibition on retroactive laws that worsen citizens’ position, as well as the principles of the presumption of innocence and protection against repeated prosecution for the same offense.

The “Miranda rule” would be established as a separate constitutional provision, requiring a person’s rights to be explained upon detention.

The Constitution’s terminology would be updated, while the development of human capital, education, science, and innovation would be identified as strategic priorities.