ANU-based Asia-Pacific policy journal; assessed the referendum as reshaping Kazakhstan's political system toward presidential dominance while framing the change as modernisation

East Asia Forum argued that the unicameral Kurultai consolidates Tokayev's dominance heading into the August elections, and that the vice-presidential reinstatement sets up a succession mechanism insulated from legislative challenge. Noted the changes are broadly consistent with the managed-democracy trajectory of Central Asian republics.

“Kazakhstan's referendum reshapes its political system.”