Kazakhstan Referendum: Unveiling the Costs
The upcoming referendum in Kazakhstan regarding a proposed new Constitution is projected to cost approximately 20.8 billion tenge (KZT), translating to around $42 million. This figure was shared during a recent press briefing by Mikhail Bortnik, a member of the Central Election Commission (CEC). According to reports from The Caspian Post and The Times of Central Asia, this budget is currently under review by the Ministry of Finance.
Kazakhstan Referendum Costs and Financial Planning
The expenses associated with the referendum were not part of the approved republican budget for 2026. Instead, the required funds are expected to be sourced from the government’s financial reserves. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 75% of the budget will be allocated to compensate members of the precinct election commissions tasked with overseeing the voting process.
Eligibility and Polling Stations
- Eligible voters: 12,416,759.
- Total polling stations: 10,413.
- Stations at registered places of residence: 9,779.
- Temporary polling locations: 634.
- Polling stations abroad: 82 in 64 countries.
The CEC has outlined a timeline for the referendum process. Official voter lists will be distributed to polling station commissions on February 22. Between February 27 and March 4, voters will receive notifications about their designated polling locations and voting times. Ballots are scheduled for distribution to polling stations from March 12 to 14, leading up to the established day of silence on March 14, when all campaigning activities will cease.
Observing the Referendum
The referendum is set to occur on March 15, 2026. CEC Deputy Chairman Mukhtar Erman noted that invitations to observe the referendum have already been sent to relevant institutions in over 30 countries, spanning Europe, North America, major Asian nations, and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tasked with extending invitations to international organizations for observer accreditation, which will conclude on March 9.
Implementation of the New Constitution
The draft of the new Constitution is available on Kazakhstan’s Constitutional Court website. If the referendum passes, in accordance with Article 94 of the proposed text, the new Constitution will take effect on July 1, 2026. On this date, the current Constitution will officially become invalid.
