Kazakh Interior Ministry Denies Reports of Police Calls to Constitution Critics

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan has refuted reports that police officers or local administration officials have been contacting citizens who publicly criticize the draft of the new Constitution.

First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Marat Adilov addressed these claims during a briefing. "The Kazakh police are on duty around the clock to ensure public order. For us today, the principle of 'Law and Order' is our top priority," stated Adilov. He categorically denied possessing any information about such incidents: "Regarding the information you are reporting, I have absolutely no such information. And indeed, I do not confirm it."

The statement comes ahead of a national referendum scheduled for March 15, 2026. Voters will be asked a single question: "Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the draft of which was published in the media on February 12, 2026?"

Polling stations across the country will be open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on referendum day. The results are expected to be announced before Nauryz, the spring holiday.

In preparation for the vote, members of the Central Referendum Commission (CRC) plan to tour all regions of Kazakhstan between February 24 and March 6. The purpose is to personally assess how preparations for the constitutional referendum are progressing.

The CRC has not disclosed its travel budget but has promised to attempt savings wherever possible to return as much money as possible to the state budget. Questions remain about where exactly these savings will come from and whether travel from Astana to other cities is strictly necessary.