Kazakhstan to open two polling stations in Belarus for constitutional referendum

MINSK, 26 February (BelTA) – The Embassy of Kazakhstan will open two polling stations in Belarus for its citizens to vote in the referendum on the new constitution scheduled for 15 March, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Belarus Timur Zhaksylykov told journalists at a briefing in Minsk, BelTA has learned.

The diplomat noted that a national referendum on the adoption of a new constitution will take place in Kazakhstan on 15 March. Kazakhstan’s citizens in Belarus will be able to vote at two locations on that day: at the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Minsk and at the country’s Consulate General in Brest.

Key changes proposed in the new constitution include the transition to a unicameral parliament called the Kurultai with 145 seats and a five-year term of office, elections under a proportional system based on party lists, and a mandatory quota for women, youth, and people with disabilities.

The draft also introduces the new post of vice president, while eliminating the position of state counsellor. Additionally, a new body called the People’s Council comprising 126 members would be created, replacing the National Kurultai and the Assembly of People of Kazakhstan.