Kazakhstan has navigated a series of transformative challenges in recent years that could have prompted a retreat from reformist ambitions. Under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership, the nation has encountered significant disruptions, both global and domestic, with the events of January 2022 standing out as a pivotal moment. While such crises often lead to stricter governance and weakened democratic structures in other nations, Kazakhstan has charted a different path, embracing liberalization and systemic reform.
Referendum as a Tool for Democratic Engagement
A landmark step in this journey was the constitutional referendum held in June 2022. President Tokayev’s decision to let citizens directly vote on constitutional changes marked a significant shift toward democratization. For the first time in nearly three decades, Kazakhstan employed a mechanism for direct public input.
The referendum showcased the country’s commitment to genuine democratic progress. The approved amendments, which revised a third of the Constitution, restructured the political framework. Far from superficial adjustments, these changes redistributed authority among government branches, broadened the political party landscape, and established robust mechanisms for protecting human rights. The referendum itself signaled the government’s confidence in its citizens and its willingness to share responsibility for shaping the nation’s future.
These reforms transitioned Kazakhstan from a highly centralized “super-presidential” system to a more balanced governance model, encapsulated in the principle of “Strong President, Empowered Parliament, Responsible Government.” The presidency is now limited to a single seven-year term without re-election, and immediate relatives of the president are barred from holding public or quasi-public roles.
The reforms also prioritized greater political inclusion. Simplified party registration processes have enabled new political entities to emerge. The 2023 parliamentary elections reflected these changes, with new parties gaining seats in the Majilis and the electoral process becoming more vibrant and competitive.
Further strengthening democratic institutions, the establishment of the Constitutional Court, enhancements to the ombudsman’s role, and the adoption of a law on peaceful assemblies have bolstered protections for citizens’ rights and freedoms. These measures provide citizens with meaningful avenues to voice their opinions and influence governance.
Digitalization as a Catalyst for Democracy
Kazakhstan’s political modernization extends to its embrace of digital technologies. According to the UN’s United Nations E-Government Survey: E-Government for the People 2024, Kazakhstan ranks 24th globally for e-government development, surpassing several advanced nations with its high e-government development index.
Digitalization directly supports democratic progress by making government services and feedback mechanisms more accessible, inclusive, and transparent. By digitizing these processes, citizen engagement in governance becomes more intuitive and equitable.
The “listening state” concept is central to this approach, moving away from top-down communication toward a dialogue-based model. Tools like online petitions, electronic appeals, and digital platforms for tracking government actions have lowered participation barriers, fostering open and honest exchanges between the state and its citizens.
Looking ahead, artificial intelligence is poised to further enhance Kazakhstan’s democratic institutions. In his Address to the Nation, President Tokayev emphasized the need to overhaul public administration to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance. He outlined a strategic vision to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital nation within three years, reinforcing the role of technology in democratization.
Toward a Streamlined Parliamentary System
Building on these reforms, President Tokayev has proposed transitioning to a unicameral parliament, a change set to be discussed in a 2027 referendum. Highlighted in his recent address, this reform aims to align Kazakhstan with global trends, as many unitary states benefit from the efficiency of unicameral legislatures.
For Kazakhstan, this shift promises streamlined legislative processes, reduced costs, and clearer lines of political accountability. Crucially, it upholds the principle that major changes should be decided transparently through public participation, not in closed-door deliberations.
These transformations have unfolded against a backdrop of stability. Despite the political crisis of 2022, Kazakhstan has not only recovered but has turned challenges into opportunities for renewal. Encouraging public involvement in critical decisions has reduced the divide between the state and its citizens, fostering trust and promoting a culture of dialogue.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan’s political journey reflects a steady and deliberate move toward democratization. Through referendums, the creation of inclusive institutions, and the expansion of political and legal opportunities supported by modern technology, the country is building a stable system rooted in trust and public engagement rather than rigid control.
Kazakhstan is crafting a mature political framework where the nation’s future is shaped collaboratively by the government and its people. This approach serves as both a hallmark of democratization and a foundation for sustainable progress. ///nCa, 29 September 2025 (photo credit – Kazpravda.kz)