The decision, made by President Kurmanbek Bakiev on 5 January, makes good on a promise by Bakiev during the presidential election campaign in 2005.
A constitutional commission has been working on preparing the amendments but it remains unclear what form of government will be put to the referendum.
Currently, Kyrgyzstan's government is strongly pro-presidential after a series of referenda in the 1990s and in 2002 concentrated most power in the hands of the executive branch of government.
But many lawmakers and opposition figures favor a parliamentary system of government.
Bakiev came to power after widespread protests chased long-time President Askar Akaev from power in March 2005, largely due to complaints that the people had no voice in governance.
RFE/RL Central Asia Report
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