The Head of State signed the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On amendments and Additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV spoke about the importance of amendments to the Constitution of the country in his video message.

 As you know, in a recent Address to the people, the Head of State put forward a large-scale program of political modernization.

It was comprehensively discussed in society and the media. Experts and civil activists expressed their assessments.

All proposals received broad support.

The initiatives outlined in the Message are aimed at a radical transformation of our political system. They proceeded from the long-standing request of citizens to expand participation in government and deep democratization of political processes.

For their effective implementation, amendments and additions to the Constitution were required. In other words, constitutional reform was necessary.

         Therefore, a special working group was created on behalf of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan to prepare draft amendments to the Basic Law, which included prominent legal scholars, experienced experts, representatives of authorized bodies.

         After a detailed review of all the novelties, the draft amendments were sent to the Constitutional Council. And this body gave its conclusion on its compliance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Now the Society has reached the finish line of the implementation of constitutional reform.

Amendments to the Basic Law are, in fact, of crucial importance for our country. The changes will affect a third of the articles of the Constitution.

To put it bluntly, our Constitution will get a whole new dimension.

Therefore, the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan proposed to submit this issue to a republican referendum, since such large-scale changes should be carried out on the basis of the popular will.

Throughout the progressive world, the plebiscite is one of the most obvious and obvious forms of direct democracy. However, in Kazakhstan, this effective institution of democracy was not fully involved.

After the referendum held 27 years ago, when the current Constitution was adopted, all subsequent constitutional reforms were approved in Parliament.

         In principle, this is a legitimate practice. But I am firmly convinced that at a new stage of development, building a New Kazakhstan, we must publicly make such fateful decisions for our country.

Therefore, the Head of State signed a decree on holding a republican referendum on the adoption of amendments and additions to the Constitution on June 5.

The universal vote of citizens on the draft constitutional amendments will demonstrate our firm commitment to democratic principles.

The upcoming referendum will allow every citizen to take a direct part in the historical event that will determine the future of Kazakhstan.

The constitutional reform is aimed at a comprehensive transformation of the entire state model.

The amendments are intended to consolidate the final transition from a super-presidential form of government to a presidential republic with an influential Parliament and an accountable Government.

The constitutional reform will significantly strengthen the representative branch of government, strengthen the system of checks and balances, and increase the subjectivity of maslikhats.

The introduction of a mixed majority-proportional model for the election of deputies of the Mazhilis and regional maslikhats will allow to more fully cover the entire range of views and opinions of voters.

In turn, the introduction of a fully majoritarian system of elections of deputies of district and city maslikhats will open up an opportunity for citizens to influence life in the regions more effectively.

In the new version of the Constitution, it is planned to consolidate the equidistant status of the President from all political parties and movements.

After the adoption of the referendum, there will be a ban for the President's closest relatives to hold political positions and leadership positions in the quasi-public sector.

An important block of amendments affects the human rights sphere.

         The creation of the Constitutional Court, the consolidation of the status of the Commissioner for Human Rights at the constitutional level, the unconditional prohibition of the death penalty – all these steps are aimed at full respect for the rights and freedoms of citizens.

The upcoming constitutional reform will mark a new stage in the development of our country.

As the Head of State says: "Together we will build a New Kazakhstan, a just Kazakhstan!" The rights of every citizen will be protected in our state. Everyone will have equal opportunities.

Everyone, depending on their abilities and abilities, will be able to succeed and find their place in society.

There will be a renewal of social and individual values.

We will improve the state system and ensure a constructive dialogue between society and the authorities.

Thus, the people of Kazakhstan will build a Second Republic.

         Therefore, constitutional reform is necessary for the successful implementation of these tasks.

         The peculiarity of the current reform is not to strengthen the powers of the President, but to improve, modernize and strengthen the state.

I urge everyone, especially young people, to take an active part in the referendum for the sake of the future of our country, for the sake of future generations!

I am sure you will support all initiatives based on our national interests.

The bright future of our country is in our hands!

Unity is our strength!