CSTO PA Observers Meet with the Leadership of Kazakhstan’s CEC to Assess Election Readiness Before the Kurultai Vote

On August 21, as part of the international observer mission monitoring the preparation and conduct of elections for the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the CSTO PA group of observers held a meeting with the leadership of the country’s Central Election Commission (CEC).

Nurlan Abdirov, Chairman of Kazakhstan’s CEC, briefed the observers on the main provisions of the undergoing constitutional reform. He pointed out that one of the key reforms was the transition to a unicameral Kurultai.

"In this regard, the upcoming elections play a crucial role, representing an important stage in the implementation of the new constitutional model. And, for the first time, the country’s highest representative body will be formed under the new Constitution," underlined Nurlan Abdirov.

Sergei Pospelov, Executive Secretary of the CSTO PA, emphasized that monitoring will be conducted fairly, with respect for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. He stressed the importance of the Recommendations on the Protection of Electoral Processes and Sovereignty in CSTO Member States, adopted by the Parliamentary Assembly in 2022.

During a constructive dialogue, representatives of the Central Election Commission provided the members of the monitoring group with detailed information on the final stages of preparation for the elections, which will take place on August 23.

The parties discussed the technical equipment at polling stations, as well as measures to ensure the transparency and legitimacy of the electoral process.

As you may recall, the international observer group from the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly includes authorized representatives of the national parliaments of the CSTO Member States. In addition to the coordinator of the mission, Andrei Kartapolov, Chairman of the Committee on Defence of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, the following experts will take part in the monitoring: Eduard Severin, a member of Standing Commission of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus; Nilufar Alimzhanova, a member of Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic; Bair Zhamsuev, deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Council Committee on International Affairs; Zarina Idizoda, a member of Committee of the Majlisi Milli of the Majlisi Oli, and Giyosiddin Ashurzoda, Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Committee of the Majlisi Oli, both representing the Republic of Tajikistan.

A total of 777 international observers have been accredited to monitor the elections for Kurultai, including 160 observers from 42 foreign countries and 617 members representing 13 international organizations. Futhermore, 138 members of parliament from 41 countries will take part in the mission.