UPDATE 2 - Kazakhstan passes referendum on constitutional reforms

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY

By Merve Berker and Ahmet Gencturk

ANKARA (AA) - Over 77% of voters in Kazakhstan have approved constitutional amendments that seek a new governance model, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

As many as 77.18 % of the voters in the June 5 referendum "approved the proposed amendments, paving the way for changing 33, or one-third articles of the document initially adopted in 1995," the statement said.

It said that the reforms are meant to move away from a "super-presidential system" by strengthening the parliament, local authorities and human rights protection mechanisms.

As many as 10,012 polling stations were set up, and the total voter turnout stood at 68.06%.

"The referendum can be considered valid," said electoral commission chair Nurlan Abdirov.

The ministry said the number of voters who rejected the proposals was 18.66%, while 4.16% of the ballots cast were recognized invalid.

“The referendum was a historic moment for Kazakhstan. The approved amendments to the Constitution mean a new phase in the development of our statehood as they clearly aim at strengthening the human rights protection mechanisms and the democratic institutions in Kazakhstan,” said Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi.

“These changes will result in greater competition in the political system of our country and expanded citizen participation in state governance.

“One important change will be the ultimate, unequivocal ban on the death penalty, to be clearly written down in the renewed Constitution, in line with our commitment according to the Second Optional Protocol to the 1966 Covenant on Civil and Political Reforms that our Parliament ratified last year."

Thanking domestic and foreign observers for monitoring the referendum, he said "we see this as a clear support from the international community" and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s "reform agenda."

"This is just the first step towards building a New Kazakhstan," Tileuberdi said. "Significant work lies ahead to implement the amendments at the constitutional and legislative level, and we look forward to working with all our partners as we enter a new chapter in Kazakhstan’s modern history.”

The referendum “will facilitate a comprehensive transformation of the entire state model of Kazakhstan, including the transition from a ‘super-presidential’ form of government to a presidential republic with an influential parliament and an accountable government," the ministry said.

“In addition, the powers of the President will be reduced, the role of the parliament and local authorities will be significantly strengthened, and the mechanisms for the protection of human rights reinforced, including by re-establishing the Constitutional Court and giving a constitutional mandate to the Commissioner for Human Rights."

According to the statement, President Tokayev earlier said that the main goal of the constitutional reform "is the democratization of the country and expanding the opportunities for people to participate in governance."

- Türkiye to support 'reform process'

Meanwhile, Türkiye said it is “pleased" that the constitutional referendum was conducted in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere with a high voter turnout.

“We attach great importance to the stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan, with which we have deep-rooted ties, and wish that the results of the referendum would be auspicious for friendly and brotherly Kazakhstan,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

“Türkiye will continue to support brotherly Kazakhstan’s reform process,” it added.