Kazakhs Vote Overwhelmingly for Constitutional Overhaul
Voters in Kazakhstan have approved a major constitutional referendum that could strengthen the president's powers and raise concerns over civil liberties, according to exit polls.
In a historic referendum, voters in Kazakhstan have overwhelmingly approved a sweeping set of constitutional reforms that could significantly strengthen the president's control over key institutions and raise concerns about civil liberties in the Central Asian nation.
According to exit polls, more than 75% of Kazakhs voted in favor of the proposed changes, which include expanding the president's authority, creating a new advisory body, and reducing the parliament's powers. The referendum is seen as a major victory for President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who has pushed for the reforms since taking office in 2019.
"This is a clear mandate from the people of Kazakhstan to pursue a path of modernization and reform," Tokayev said in a televised address following the vote. "We will work tirelessly to deliver on the promises made during this campaign."
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: Deutsche Welle
