A Kazakh parliamentarian’s opinion of the work of the CSTO PA observer mission

Yerlik Tayzhanov, a member of the Committee on International Affairs, Defence and Security of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan: “It was the first time for me as a member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the monitoring of preparation for the referendum and voting as part of the group of international short-term observers from the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly.
Today was the most important part of our work. We were present at the polling stations, observing from their timely opening in the morning.
As for the preparations for voting and the voting process itself, our position and our conclusions are set forth in the CSTO PA Report. I can say that they are positive. There were no significant issues or complaints from voters, we were not approached. Neither did we see any violations. I believe that today’s referendum fully complies with the legislation of the Kyrgyz Republic. Once again, our conclusions and those of international short-term observers are detailed in the Report.
Let me personally add that the people of Kyrgyzstan are good partners to all of us and to our countries; to Kazakhstan, they are a brotherly nation, with whom we are connected both historically and linguistically; we care about what happens in Kyrgyzstan today. In any case, the most objective assessment of what happens today will only be given by our descendants.
This is the first time I participate in an international observation in my capacity of a deputy of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and I am happy to congratulate the brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan on the successful election and referendum.
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