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Kazakhstan is set to hold parliamentary elections، as announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The announcement follows a significant constitutional referendum، with the President highlighting a vision for a new Parliament geared towards the nation's youth.

A New Parliament for the Youth

Speaking at a meeting with young people who actively participated in the recent referendum، President Tokayev stated his belief that the upcoming Parliament should be a platform for the youth. "A large-scale campaign was conducted. We have a lot of work ahead. Parliamentary elections will be held in the summer، and we must hold them as one country، with solidarity. I believe this Parliament should belong to the youth،" the President remarked.

Constitutional Reforms and Referendum Results

The President also noted that the new Constitution is designed with the youth in mind، incorporating important concepts such as freedom of activity، science، innovation، and artificial intelligence. The recent referendum on adopting the new Constitution saw strong public support. Exit poll data from the Eurasian Integration Institute indicated 86.7% in favor، while the "Sotsis-A" institute reported 87.4%، and the Institute of Public Policy's exit poll showed 88.6% support.

Referendum Participation Details

The referendum on the new Constitution took place on March 15th. Voting stations across Kazakhstan operated from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. A total of 12،461،796 citizens were eligible to vote. On the day of the referendum، 10،388 polling stations were operational within the country، supplemented by 71 stations at diplomatic missions in 54 countries. Notably، 92 polling stations، primarily in military units، began their work earlier at 6:00 AM.

By 10:00 AM، 2،393،844 citizens had received ballots، representing 19.21% of eligible voters. By noon، this figure rose to 4،677،595 voters، or 37.54%. The referendum was officially declared to have taken place by 2:00 PM، with 6،471،378 participants، indicating a turnout of 51.93%. According to legal definitions، a referendum is considered valid if more than half of the eligible citizens participate.

By 4:00 PM، 8،029،286 citizens had voted. By 6:00 PM، over 70% of voters، amounting to 8،845،280 individuals، had cast their ballots. By the close of polls at 8:00 PM، 9،126،850 people had participated، with preliminary turnout figures reaching 73.24%. The final results were expected to be announced by March 21st.

Key Changes in the New Constitution

The amendments introduced into the Constitution affected 84% of the text. Key changes include the introduction of the position of Vice President، a transition to a unicameral Parliament called the Kurultai، and the establishment of a new consultative body named the People's Council of Kazakhstan. Additionally، new requirements for presidential candidates mandate at least five years of work experience in public service or elected positions. The President's powers in appointing high-ranking officials have also been expanded، while the norm of electing the President for a single term remains.

The document also enshrines new provisions concerning citizens' rights and freedoms، the status of languages، religious regulation، marriage as a union of a man and a woman، and the protection of personal data and privacy.

This information was reported by Infohub.kz.