ALMATY, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Tuesday signed the newly approved constitution, which will take effect on July 1 this year.

A national referendum was held on Sunday on the draft constitution, published by the Constitutional Court on Feb. 12. It includes major changes such as transforming the parliament from a bicameral to a unicameral system, restoring the post of vice president, and establishing a People's Council.

Kazakhstan's Central Election Commission announced earlier on Tuesday that about 9.13 million people participated in the vote, with a voter turnout of 73.12 percent. Of these, around 7.95 million voted in favor, accounting for 87.15 percent of the total.

Tokayev said the new constitution, consisting of 11 chapters and 95 articles, is the "foundation of a Just Kazakhstan," strengthening the rule of law, public order and civil rights. He added that the document marks the country's transition toward a more progressive state model and will guide its future development.

According to the published draft, the new constitution will abolish the Senate and establish a unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, composed of 145 deputies from various political parties, each serving a five-year term.

The vice president will be nominated by the president and appointed with the approval of a parliamentary majority. Acting under presidential delegation, the vice president will coordinate relations with domestic and international social, political, scientific and cultural organizations.

The People's Council will serve as the highest advisory body granted the right of legislative initiative, comprising 164 members appointed by the president and representing public interests. ■