30 August 2022
August 30 is traditionally celebrated in Kazakhstan as Constitution Day.
It was on this day in 1995 that a new draft Constitution was adopted at
a nation-wide referendum. Drafted by a panel of experts and passed through broad public discussion, the Constitution embodied the will of the people and considered the necessary values, which the young nation wished to exemplify on its journey.
Underpinned by the unalienable values of freedom, granted to every
citizen, the Constitution has proven central to the accomplishments of
Kazakhstan and provided the country with the guide for development and prosperity which the state enjoys today.
Looking back over the years since Kazakhstan’s Constitution was
overwhelmingly approved in a national referendum in 1995, it is very
clear how important it has been to the country’s progress. The Constitution has provided both the principles and mechanics which have
enabled Kazakhstan to rise to every challenge it has faced. The strong
emphasis, for example, placed on individual rights and equality before
the law has helped forge a tolerant harmonious society which has won
international respect.
In ensuring the freedoms of speech, assembly and religion, as well as
political diversity and personal liberty, the constitution has provided
a blueprint for the country’s social, economic and political
development. The country’s tolerant society, where every citizen –
regardless of their creed – can feel valued and free, as well as the
state’s wider domestic prosperity, is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the Constitution as a guide to success, unbound by time or historic context.
Beyond this, the strength of any constitution can be measured by its
ability to adapt to an ever-changing society, while remaining true to
its fundamental values. In this regard, the adoption of amendments and additions to the constitution, by the nation-wide referendum in June 2022 is a historic moment for Kazakhstan.
The constitutional reform in 2022, proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, is aimed at a comprehensive transformation of the entire state model, which includes the final transition from a “super-presidential”
form of government to a presidential republic with an influential
parliament and an accountable government, which entails limiting the
powers of the President.
In addition, the constitutional reform, being developed by subsequent
laws currently, will significantly strengthen the representative branch
of power, strengthen the system of checks and balances, and increase the independence of maslikhats (local representative bodies). Furthermore, a
mixed majority-proportional model for the election of deputies to the Mazhilis and regional maslikhats would be introduced. Part of the amendments focus on enhancing the protection of human rights, by
establishing the Constitutional Court, consolidating the status of the Commissioner for Human Rights at the constitutional level, and fully banning the death penalty.
If a constitution is not amended to reflect modern challenges and
realities, there is a danger that it becomes to act like a straitjacket,
limiting the right response to changing conditions. Kazakhstan has not fallen into this trap as the recent constitutional reforms have underlined. These significant democratic and institutional reforms are aimed at ensuring the Constitution is an important platform for
Kazakhstan’s continued development in the future.
Following the most recent amendments and additions to the country’s
Constitution, Constitution Day on 30 August takes on extra significance
and importance. As Kazakhstan commemorates Constitution Day, we are
granted the opportunity to reflect on the progress which Kazakhstan has
made in the past 30 years. At the time when the Constitution was first
approved in 1995, Kazakhstan was a young nation facing the many
challenges encountered by newly independent countries all over the
world. Looking to escape the legacy of the Soviet Union and forge its
own national identity, Kazakhstan’s Constitution – under strong leadership – codified the values that we hold dear and outlined the
principles that laid the foundation for our stability and achievements.
As Kazakhstan marks Constitution Day, it is also worth celebrating the citizens of Kazakhstan, both past and present, who have embodied its
fundamental values to promote a peace-loving and civil society,
dedicated to the ideals of freedom, equality, and concord.
Happy Constitution Day, our dear Brothers and Sisters from Kazakhstan!
Congratulation of the Head of Kazakhstan on the Constitution Day
Dear compatriots,
I congratulate you on the Constitution Day of Kazakhstan!
This year, this holiday acquires a special political significance. The
results of the national referendum on constitutional amendments
demonstrated the unity of our people and their strong support for
large-scale reforms aimed at comprehensive modernization of the country.
Together we are building a New Kazakhstan, guided by the principles of the rule of law, justice and equal opportunities for all. The time has
come when every responsible citizen can become an active participant in
reforms and contribute to the development of the state.
The values of democracy proclaimed in the Constitution, guarantees of the rights and freedoms of citizens clearly define the strategic vector
of development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The main goal of the planned reforms will be to increase the well-being
of citizens, the consistent strengthening of statehood and the
harmonious development of society. To fulfill these difficult tasks, our
country needs each of you, dear fellow citizens!
I sincerely wish you good health, happiness, achievement of all your
goals, success for the benefit of our Motherland!
