Kazakhstan approves new constitution in referendum, exit polls say

AI Summary

Kazakh voters have approved a new constitution in a referendum, according to exit polls, which could allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his hold on power beyond 2029. The referendum outcome is seen as consolidating Tokayev's authority in Kazakhstan, a major Central Asian energy and minerals producer. The development has significant implications for political stability and governance in the region.

ALMATY/ASTANA, March 16 - Kazakh voters in a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution that may provide President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev with a loophole allowing him to stay in power in the Central Asian energy and minerals giant beyond 2029, exit polls showed.