ARTICLE BY THE RECTOR AND VICE-RECTOR OF AMANZHOLOV UNIVERSITY PUBLISHED IN THE INTERNATIONAL NEWS AGENCY “KAZINFORM”

The draft of the new Constitution proposed in the Republic of Kazakhstan is regarded as a strategic document marking a new qualitative stage in the country’s development. The document is aimed at the comprehensive modernization of the state’s legal system and the consolidation of the principles of “Just Kazakhstan” and “Law and Order” through specific legal provisions. Representatives of Sarsen Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University shared their position on this issue in an interview with the international news agency Kazinform.

According to the Rector of the University, Mukhtar Tolegen, the draft Constitution is not limited to isolated or cosmetic amendments but is focused on a fundamental renewal of the country’s entire legal architecture. Kazakhstan is entering an important historical stage of its development. The constitutional reforms initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, represent a logical response to public demand for justice, transparency, and government accountability. The concepts of “Just Kazakhstan” and “Law and Order” are moving from declarative statements to norms of direct application, shaping a new culture of public administration.

The Rector noted that the draft Constitution underwent broad public discussion, taking into account citizens’ proposals and expert opinions. Amendments have been introduced to the majority of articles of the Basic Law, demonstrating the deep and systemic nature of the reforms. The key idea of the document is to enshrine the individual, their rights and freedoms as the highest value of the state. Guarantees for the protection of human rights are being strengthened, the system of checks and balances between branches of power is being improved, the role of the judiciary is increasing, the autonomy of local self-government is expanding, and the referendum is being reinforced as a key instrument of direct popular will. In addition, the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, and the absolute ban on torture and degrading treatment are clearly закреплены.

Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and International Cooperation, Irina Rovnyakova, emphasized the strategic and value-based nature of the draft Constitution. In her view, the document defines Kazakhstan’s future development model, centered on the individual, their dignity, education, and creative potential. The inclusion of the principle of human-centered development in the first article serves as a clear confirmation of this course. The preamble also highlights priorities in culture, education, science, and innovation, reflecting the country’s movement toward a knowledge-based economy.

The draft Constitution pays special attention to the freedom of scientific, technical, and artistic creativity, as well as the protection of intellectual property. These provisions create a solid legal foundation for the development of the IT sector, startup ecosystems, commercialization of scientific research, and the formation of an innovation-driven economy. In the context of digital transformation, issues such as personal data protection, digital identity security, and the safeguarding of citizens’ rights in the online environment are gaining particular importance. Information security and artificial intelligence ethics are also viewed as significant components of the new constitutional approach.

According to experts, the final decision on the draft Constitution will be made through a national referendum. Active citizen participation in this process demonstrates responsibility for the country’s future and contributes to strengthening the rule of law. This step is aimed at deepening democratic values, developing legal culture, and building a just society in Kazakhstan.