ASTANA, March 14 (AJP) - Kazakhstan stands on the threshold of a truly historic stage in its development as citizens prepare to vote in a national referendum on a new draft of the Constitution. Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov stated that the new draft serves as a foundation for the long-term stability of the state and a timely response to global challenges.
The reform process involved a Constitutional Commission of 130 members that reviewed more than 12,000 proposals submitted by citizens through state digital platforms. Issetov emphasized that the amendments affected 84 percent of the text, creating a document that is new in terms of its substance and meaning.
The strategic goal of the reform is to strengthen statehood and independence and to improve the well-being of citizens. Under the concept of a listening state, the new Constitution establishes that the state exists for the individual, not the individual for the state.
New legal protections, including the Miranda rule and the guaranteed right to privacy and personal data protection, have been elevated to the constitutional level. Issetov noted that the section devoted to the protection of human rights and freedoms has become the most extensive, comprising almost one-third of the Constitution.
Economic growth remains a pillar of the national strategy, with the GDP reaching 306 billion US dollars last year. This performance allowed the country to enter the list of the 50 largest economies in the world this year.
To accelerate growth capabilities, the development of science, education, culture and innovation is defined as a constitutional principle of state activity for the first time. This ambition is reinforced by the transition toward comprehensive digitalization and the development of artificial intelligence, supported by specialized legislation enacted in January.
Issetov stated that these measures will create a stable and predictable legal and investment environment in which citizens are protected. The international community has deployed 359 international observers and 206 foreign journalists to monitor the proceedings.
Beyond the domestic borders, 71 election commissions have been established at Kazakhstan's diplomatic missions in 54 countries to facilitate the participation of citizens abroad. The deputy foreign minister expressed high confidence that the new Basic Law will become the principal document of a Just, Strong, Safe and Clean Kazakhstan.
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