From July 11 to August 12 of this year, the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan conducted a large-scale public survey. The sample size amounted to 8,000 respondents. The survey included participants over the age of 18 from all 17 regions of the country as well as the cities of national significance – Astana, Almaty, and Shymkent.
According to the survey results, 76.3% of respondents are familiar with the content and key provisions of the country’s Constitution. In terms of age, it is noteworthy that young people are more informed about the Constitution. Thus, 79.1% of respondents aged 18–29 are well acquainted with/have read or have a general understanding of the Constitution. This is followed by the age groups 30–45 years (77.5%) and 46–60 years (74.9%). The figure is relatively lower among the oldest age group 61+ (72.5%).
The survey also showed that Kazakhstanis closely follow political changes and reforms, perceiving them as important steps toward strengthening the rule of law. The constitutional changes of 2022 proved significant for society, as evidenced by the high level of public awareness of their main outcomes. Respondents particularly remembered the following constitutional amendments adopted in the referendum of June 5, 2022:
- Establishing the principle that land, subsoil, and other natural resources are the exclusive property of the people – 27.8%;
- Establishment of the Constitutional Court – 23.9%;
- Complete abolition of the death penalty – 13.4%;
- Granting constitutional status to the Commissioner for Human Rights – 10.3%;
- Strengthening the powers and status of the Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) – 9.7%.
Among the most widely recognized innovations is the provision that the nation’s natural resources are the exclusive property of the people. In terms of the practical implementation of this constitutional norm, it is worth noting the “National Fund for Children” program, under which 50% of the annual investment income of the National Fund is allocated to individual savings accounts for children under 18. This national program, in line with the principles of a Just Kazakhstan, is intended to strengthen and secure a sustainable future for the younger generation through a fair redistribution of income from natural resources.
Overall, the study’s findings indicate both a high level of public awareness and broad approval of the 2022 constitutional reforms.
Three years later, citizens continue to emphasize the significance of these reforms and their positive impact on everyday life. As a result, the ongoing transformations in the country are of great value to the majority of Kazakhstanis. The reforms being implemented respond to the pressing needs of the population, clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the principle of a “Listening State.”
