Kazakhstan is set to hold a referendum on March 15 regarding a new constitution that is intended to further concentrate power in the hands of the president, Kasim-Jomart Tokayev, who signed the order for this vote. The proposed constitutional changes include eliminating the upper house of parliament, allowing the legislative assembly to function as a unicameral body, and reinstating the vice presidency, which some observers see as a move to strengthen the power transfer process. Currently, President Tokayev has announced that he will not run for election in 2029, creating speculation about his political legacy and future influence.

The proposed amendments also include significant restrictions on freedom of speech. They stipulate that public speech must not "undermine public morals or violate public order," which raises concerns about increased censorship and limitations on civil rights. Additionally, the changes will make it easier for the government to impose restrictions on the right to protest, invoking the need to protect public morals or state security as justifications for such measures. Tensions around civil liberties are heightened as many see these amendments as a step backward in democratic reforms.

Another noteworthy aspect of the proposed constitutional reforms is the symbolic downgrading of the status of the Russian language, which is widely spoken throughout the country and in bureaucratic settings. This change reflects a broader trend in Kazakhstan where issues of national identity and linguistic policies are increasingly significant, particularly given the country's diverse demographic landscape. As Kazakhstan navigates its path towards governance reform, the implications of these constitutional changes will be closely scrutinized both domestically and internationally.