On the morning of 14 March 2026, just one day before Kazakhstan’s nationwide constitutional referendum, Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov addressed international journalists during a briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Astana. The press event formed part of a special media tour organized for foreign reporters covering what officials describe as one of the most consequential political moments in the country’s modern history.

Opening the briefing, Issetov welcomed the journalists gathered in the ministry’s Kazakhstan Hall and emphasized the importance of the moment. “I warmly welcome you in Kazakhstan… during the period of a significant event for our country – the national referendum on the new draft of the Constitution,” he said, underlining that the vote scheduled for 15 March would mark a major step in the country’s political development. 

Throughout his remarks, the Deputy Foreign Minister repeatedly framed the referendum as a historic turning point, stating that “today our country is experiencing a truly historic stage in its development.” 

A Reform Built on Three Decades of Statehood

Before outlining the details of the proposed constitutional reform, Issetov reflected on Kazakhstan’s development since independence. The message was clear: the referendum is presented not as a reaction to instability but as the next phase of a long-term national trajectory.

The Deputy Foreign Minister reminded journalists that over the past decades Kazakhstan has built the foundations of an independent state and steadily modernized its economy and institutions. “Over the past years, we’ve accomplished a lot. We have built an independent state and laid the foundations for sustainable development,” he said. We have to highlight that Kazakhstan has gain a lot of prestige in the whole world with Tokayev.

Economic development and investment in human capital were also highlighted as key achievements. According to Issetov, Kazakhstan has consistently pursued economic diversification while investing heavily in education and science. “We have been consistently developing our economy… while paying particular attention to the development of human capital,” he noted. 

This narrative of steady progress set the stage for the central argument of the briefing: that constitutional reform is the logical continuation of the country’s modernization.

Economic Stability Ahead of Political Transformation

During the briefing, Issetov also presented economic indicators intended to demonstrate Kazakhstan’s resilience in an uncertain global environment.

He pointed out that the country’s gross domestic product reached 306 billion US dollars last year, allowing Kazakhstan to enter the list of the 50 largest economies in the world. 

Looking ahead, the government expects continued growth. According to forecasts by international financial institutions, the country’s GDP could reach 320 billion dollars by the end of the current year. 

Financial reserves were also highlighted as a sign of economic stability. As Issetov explained, “the country’s gold reserves amount to 74 billion dollars, while total reserves stand at 139 billion dollars.” 

These figures were presented as evidence that Kazakhstan is entering the constitutional referendum from a position of economic strength.

The Political Reform Agenda

The constitutional reform initiative, according to the Deputy Foreign Minister, stems from a broader transformation agenda initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

“At the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan… large-scale transformations are being implemented,” Issetov told reporters, describing the constitutional reform as a continuation of earlier political changes. 

Interestingly, the reform process initially focused on parliamentary changes. However, public discussions soon expanded far beyond that initial scope. “Public discussions that lasted for six months went far beyond this initiative,” he said. 

The final result, he suggested, was a comprehensive constitutional redesign rather than a limited institutional adjustment.

A central theme of the briefing was public participation in drafting the proposed constitution. Authorities sought to present the reform as a nationwide process shaped by citizen input.

To gather proposals, a Constitutional Commission of 130 members was established. According to Issetov, the commission reviewed more than 12,000 suggestions submitted by citizens through the government’s digital platforms.

“The Commission carefully reviewed and summarized more than 12,000 proposals submitted by citizens through the state digital platforms eGov and eOtinish,” he explained. 

The work of the commission, he stressed, was transparent and inclusive. “It is........

© Eurasia Review