Kazakhstan Constitutional Referendum Strengthens Presidential Powers

Kazakhstan held a constitutional referendum on Sunday, proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, to amend approximately 80 percent of the country's basic law. Following deadly riots in 2022, Tokayev pledged to liberalize the political system. However, critics argue that several proposed amendments, such as the president's ability to appoint heads of the central bank and intelligence services, and to dissolve a new single-chamber parliament (Kurultai), would actually strengthen presidential powers. The Senate, the parliament's upper chamber, would be abolished. The amendments also include provisions for tightening freedom of speech and demonstrations. The overhaul was rushed through a two-week campaign with little criticism, and rights groups like Human Rights Watch have expressed concerns about civil liberties. Tokayev aims to balance Kazakhstan's ties with the European Union, Russia, and China.