Kazakhstan ensures transparent elections, TURKPA Observer Mission

The International Observer Mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) stated that the elections of deputies to Kazakhstan’s Kurultai were conducted in a calm and orderly environment. Observers particularly noted the transparency of the voting process, the accessibility of the electoral process, and youth participation, El.kz reports.

The findings of the election observation mission were presented by Osman Mesten, Head of the Mission of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA).

He noted that the observers reviewed the electoral legislation and amendments thereto, the procedures for voter and candidate registration, the conduct of the election campaign, and the arrangements for election observation.

Osman Mesten emphasized the particular significance of the current electoral campaign for the country’s political development. The 23 August elections were the first parliamentary elections held following Kazakhstan’s transition to a unicameral Kurultai.

“The Mission positively assesses the efforts of the electoral authorities in preparing for and conducting the elections, including the training of election stakeholders and public information activities. At the polling stations visited by the Mission’s representatives, voting proceeded in an orderly manner. Voters were able to exercise their right to vote freely and without interference,” Mesten stated.

On election day, TURKPA representatives visited polling stations in Astana and Almaty, observing the process from the opening of the polling stations through to the counting of ballots. The Mission paid particular attention to the accessibility of the elections. Observers noted that polling stations were equipped with ramps, Braille templates, and visual and audio assistance tools. Information materials and meetings of the Central Election Commission were also accompanied by sign-language interpretation.

Mahmut Özer, a member of the TURKPA Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health, identified two aspects when discussing the distinctive features of Kazakhstan’s elections compared with those in other countries.

First, he highlighted the arrangements enabling different categories of citizens to participate in voting, including voters who were unable to visit polling stations due to their health conditions, as well as Kazakh citizens residing abroad.

As the second distinctive feature, he pointed to the country’s openness to international election observation.

“Kazakhstan openly invited international observers, demonstrating confidence in its electoral process, and ensured that the elections were conducted in a transparent and accountable manner,” the TURKPA representative said.