How the Kurultai elections are proceeding: assessments by international observers
Tengrinews.kz — Kazakhstan is today holding its first elections for deputies to the new unicameral Kurultai. International observers from various countries are monitoring the vote, visiting polling stations and reviewing the organization of the process.
International missions include representatives from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Armenia, and other states. Observers noted the preparation of polling stations, accessibility for citizens with disabilities, the maintenance of ballot secrecy, and the performance of election commission members.
Turkish observers: No lack of information
Serdar Mutta, Chairman of the Supreme Election Council of Turkey, visited a polling station at the Kazakh National University of Arts. According to him, the Turkish delegation has been in Kazakhstan for two days.
The day before, international observers met with the chairman and members of the Central Election Commission, who briefed them on the specifics of the country's electoral system and voting procedures.
"We have seen that there is no lack of information for citizens. The Central Election Commission is conducting this work at a professional level," Serdar Mutta said.
He noted that citizens can find out in advance which polling station they are assigned to. The necessary information is available through electronic services, mass media, and explanations provided by the Central Election Commission.
During his visit to the site, Serdar Mutta examined the work of the election commission, the ballot distribution procedure, and the facilities provided for citizens.
"We directly observed the voting process. Voters present their identification, receive ballots, proceed to private booths, and then drop their completed ballots into the box," he noted.
The Chairman of Turkey's Supreme Election Council paid particular attention to the facilities for citizens with disabilities. The station provides a separate booth and a specialized system for voters with visual and hearing impairments.
"We saw that conditions have been created for citizens with disabilities to facilitate their participation in the vote. This demonstrates the importance the Central Election Commission places on every citizen of Kazakhstan," he emphasized.
Serdar Mutta also noted the changes in Kazakhstan's political system and emphasized that the development of democratic institutions is a consistent process.
"We see that democracy is developing, being supplemented with new elements every day and reaching a higher level. We hope that this process will continue in the future," Serdar Mutta said.
According to him, the elections are taking place in a calm and festive atmosphere.
"We view the people of Kazakhstan as a friendly and brotherly nation. I wish for Kazakhstan to advance its democracy one step further every day," he said.
Serdar Mutta also called Turkestan the spiritual capital of the Turkic world and noted the significance of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi's heritage for the peoples of Kazakhstan and Turkey.
No violations recorded at polling stations – TurkPA observers
International observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States visited six polling stations in Almaty. The group included representatives from the parliaments of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Observers noted high citizen turnout, transparency of the vote, the preparedness of commission members, and conditions for people with special physical needs. They recorded no violations at the visited stations.
Turkish representative Filiz Kilic stated that a calm and friendly atmosphere was maintained at the polling stations.
"The polling stations are very well prepared. The atmosphere is excellent. It is particularly important that all necessary conditions have been created for people with visual impairments and other forms of disability. The officials are well-versed in election organization and are highly prepared," Filiz Kilic said.
She also wished success to the deputies who will be elected to the new Kurultai.
"I hope these elections bring prosperity to the Kazakh people, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the entire Turkic world. I hope our cooperation with brotherly Kazakhstan will continue to expand," she emphasized.
Hikmet Mammadov, a member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, drew attention to the participation of seven political parties in the elections.
"The participation of seven parties in the elections is democracy in itself. It is a celebration of democracy because seven different opinions, seven different worldviews, and seven different political outlooks are represented. Generally, the Kurultai tradition is historically close to all Turkic peoples. Our ancestors made the most important state decisions at such assemblies, so we are glad that Kazakhstan is reviving this form of public dialogue. This is an important part of the shared historical heritage of the Turkic world," noted Hikmet Mamedov.
According to him, mission representatives met with political parties prior to election day. The observer noted that meeting participants reported no obstacles that could have hindered their participation in the elections.
Kyrgyzstan representative Ulukbek Karybek uulu reported that observers visited six polling stations. According to him, the voting was organized in accordance with national legislation and democratic standards.
Observers took note of the maintenance of ballot secrecy, the transparency of the commissions' work, and citizen engagement.
Bektur Bazakechov said that mission representatives also held meetings with the Almaty territorial election commission, political parties, and other participants in the electoral process.
"We saw that the entire process—from the moment a voter arrives at the station to dropping the ballot into the box—is conducted openly, transparently, and without any pressure," he noted.
At the same time, TurkPA representatives emphasized that their assessments are currently preliminary. Observation will continue until the close of polls and the completion of the ballot count, after which the mission will present its final conclusions.
Ella Pamfilova: Election organization is excellent
Ella Pamfilova, Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission of Russia, visited polling station No. 282 in Astana. She noted that representatives of the Russian CEC regularly participate in election observation in Kazakhstan; however, this was her first visit to the country in her capacity as commission chair.
"My colleagues from Russia always come to every election in Kazakhstan. But as Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission, I have come for the first time. I promised my colleague that I would visit because I understand how important these elections are. These are the first Kurultai elections being held in accordance with the new Constitution," said Ella Pamfilova.
According to her, the electoral bodies of Kazakhstan and Russia interact closely and exchange experience.
Pamfilova also visited several polling stations and evaluated the training of commission members, the adherence to ballot secrecy, and the treatment of voters.
"Today we also visited several stations. All of them opened on time. The training of commission members is very good. It is clear that significant work was done on their instruction. Everyone knows what they should do, and voters are treated with great care and courtesy. Ballot secrecy is ensured. The organization is excellent," she said.
The Russian CEC Chairwoman specifically highlighted a number of solutions that, according to her, could be applied in Russian practice. In particular, she referred to templates that allow for the confidentiality of voters' personal data when receiving a ballot.
"I have already managed to notice several very useful things. I really liked the templates that allow for complete confidentiality of personal data. When voters sign for their ballots, they only see their own data. This is a very good solution. I think we will also implement it. Additionally, there are other points we have taken note of," said Ella Pamfilova.
Armenian observer notes festive atmosphere
Hermine Harutyunyan, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Public Relations of the Armenian CEC, visited polling station No. 131 at the K. Mynbayev Lyceum School in the capital.
The Armenian CEC delegation arrived in Kazakhstan the day before the vote and had time to familiarize themselves with the work of the Central Election Commission and the preparation of polling stations.
"We arrived a day before the vote, and yesterday we were given the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the work of the CEC. We are quite impressed by the scale of the Central Election Commission's activities," she noted.
According to Harutyunyan, international observers spoke highly of the infrastructure preparation and procedural organization.
"Election day is demonstrating high civic engagement. Despite it being a weekend, residents of the country are actively participating in the electoral process, arriving at polling stations since early morning. The process is running smoothly and without delays, which ensures comfortable conditions for every voter," said Hermine Harutyunyan.
She also remarked on the festive atmosphere at the polling stations.
"Since the Republic of Armenia has years of experience operating under a parliamentary system with 100% proportional representation, we are observing the practical implementation of similar mechanisms in Kazakhstan with great interest. The current reforms lay a solid foundation for further political development," she added.
International observers specifically noted the level of digitalization of the electoral process, as well as the use of electronic services and modern technological solutions.
As a reminder, elections for deputies of the Kurultai, the unicameral Parliament, are taking place in Kazakhstan on August 23. These are the country's tenth parliamentary elections since 1991, and the first since the adoption of the new Constitution, which resulted in the dissolution of the Mazhilis and Senate.
The Kurultai will now replace the bicameral Parliament as Kazakhstan's new legislative body. It will consist of 145 deputies elected for five-year terms. Following the elections, the deputies will approve the Chairman of the Kurultai and three deputy chairs.
Seven parties are competing for the 145 seats in the Kurultai: "Adilet," "Auyl," "Ak Zhol," JSDP, "Baytaq," People's Party of Kazakhstan (NPK), and Respublica. The ballot also includes an "Against All" option.
International missions include representatives from Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Armenia, and other states. Observers noted the preparation of polling stations, accessibility for citizens with disabilities, the maintenance of ballot secrecy, and the performance of election commission members.
Turkish observers: No lack of information
Serdar Mutta, Chairman of the Supreme Election Council of Turkey, visited a polling station at the Kazakh National University of Arts. According to him, the Turkish delegation has been in Kazakhstan for two days.
The day before, international observers met with the chairman and members of the Central Election Commission, who briefed them on the specifics of the country's electoral system and voting procedures.
"We have seen that there is no lack of information for citizens. The Central Election Commission is conducting this work at a professional level," Serdar Mutta said.
He noted that citizens can find out in advance which polling station they are assigned to. The necessary information is available through electronic services, mass media, and explanations provided by the Central Election Commission.
During his visit to the site, Serdar Mutta examined the work of the election commission, the ballot distribution procedure, and the facilities provided for citizens.
"We directly observed the voting process. Voters present their identification, receive ballots, proceed to private booths, and then drop their completed ballots into the box," he noted.
The Chairman of Turkey's Supreme Election Council paid particular attention to the facilities for citizens with disabilities. The station provides a separate booth and a specialized system for voters with visual and hearing impairments.
"We saw that conditions have been created for citizens with disabilities to facilitate their participation in the vote. This demonstrates the importance the Central Election Commission places on every citizen of Kazakhstan," he emphasized.
Serdar Mutta also noted the changes in Kazakhstan's political system and emphasized that the development of democratic institutions is a consistent process.
"We see that democracy is developing, being supplemented with new elements every day and reaching a higher level. We hope that this process will continue in the future," Serdar Mutta said.
According to him, the elections are taking place in a calm and festive atmosphere.
"We view the people of Kazakhstan as a friendly and brotherly nation. I wish for Kazakhstan to advance its democracy one step further every day," he said.
Serdar Mutta also called Turkestan the spiritual capital of the Turkic world and noted the significance of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi's heritage for the peoples of Kazakhstan and Turkey.
No violations recorded at polling stations – TurkPA observers
International observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States visited six polling stations in Almaty. The group included representatives from the parliaments of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Observers noted high citizen turnout, transparency of the vote, the preparedness of commission members, and conditions for people with special physical needs. They recorded no violations at the visited stations.
Turkish representative Filiz Kilic stated that a calm and friendly atmosphere was maintained at the polling stations.
"The polling stations are very well prepared. The atmosphere is excellent. It is particularly important that all necessary conditions have been created for people with visual impairments and other forms of disability. The officials are well-versed in election organization and are highly prepared," Filiz Kilic said.
She also wished success to the deputies who will be elected to the new Kurultai.
"I hope these elections bring prosperity to the Kazakh people, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the entire Turkic world. I hope our cooperation with brotherly Kazakhstan will continue to expand," she emphasized.
Hikmet Mammadov, a member of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, drew attention to the participation of seven political parties in the elections.
"The participation of seven parties in the elections is democracy in itself. It is a celebration of democracy because seven different opinions, seven different worldviews, and seven different political outlooks are represented. Generally, the Kurultai tradition is historically close to all Turkic peoples. Our ancestors made the most important state decisions at such assemblies, so we are glad that Kazakhstan is reviving this form of public dialogue. This is an important part of the shared historical heritage of the Turkic world," noted Hikmet Mamedov.
According to him, mission representatives met with political parties prior to election day. The observer noted that meeting participants reported no obstacles that could have hindered their participation in the elections.
Kyrgyzstan representative Ulukbek Karybek uulu reported that observers visited six polling stations. According to him, the voting was organized in accordance with national legislation and democratic standards.
Observers took note of the maintenance of ballot secrecy, the transparency of the commissions' work, and citizen engagement.
Bektur Bazakechov said that mission representatives also held meetings with the Almaty territorial election commission, political parties, and other participants in the electoral process.
"We saw that the entire process—from the moment a voter arrives at the station to dropping the ballot into the box—is conducted openly, transparently, and without any pressure," he noted.
At the same time, TurkPA representatives emphasized that their assessments are currently preliminary. Observation will continue until the close of polls and the completion of the ballot count, after which the mission will present its final conclusions.
Ella Pamfilova: Election organization is excellent
Ella Pamfilova, Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission of Russia, visited polling station No. 282 in Astana. She noted that representatives of the Russian CEC regularly participate in election observation in Kazakhstan; however, this was her first visit to the country in her capacity as commission chair.
"My colleagues from Russia always come to every election in Kazakhstan. But as Chairwoman of the Central Election Commission, I have come for the first time. I promised my colleague that I would visit because I understand how important these elections are. These are the first Kurultai elections being held in accordance with the new Constitution," said Ella Pamfilova.
According to her, the electoral bodies of Kazakhstan and Russia interact closely and exchange experience.
Pamfilova also visited several polling stations and evaluated the training of commission members, the adherence to ballot secrecy, and the treatment of voters.
"Today we also visited several stations. All of them opened on time. The training of commission members is very good. It is clear that significant work was done on their instruction. Everyone knows what they should do, and voters are treated with great care and courtesy. Ballot secrecy is ensured. The organization is excellent," she said.
The Russian CEC Chairwoman specifically highlighted a number of solutions that, according to her, could be applied in Russian practice. In particular, she referred to templates that allow for the confidentiality of voters' personal data when receiving a ballot.
"I have already managed to notice several very useful things. I really liked the templates that allow for complete confidentiality of personal data. When voters sign for their ballots, they only see their own data. This is a very good solution. I think we will also implement it. Additionally, there are other points we have taken note of," said Ella Pamfilova.
Armenian observer notes festive atmosphere
Hermine Harutyunyan, Head of the Department of International Cooperation and Public Relations of the Armenian CEC, visited polling station No. 131 at the K. Mynbayev Lyceum School in the capital.
The Armenian CEC delegation arrived in Kazakhstan the day before the vote and had time to familiarize themselves with the work of the Central Election Commission and the preparation of polling stations.
"We arrived a day before the vote, and yesterday we were given the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the work of the CEC. We are quite impressed by the scale of the Central Election Commission's activities," she noted.
According to Harutyunyan, international observers spoke highly of the infrastructure preparation and procedural organization.
"Election day is demonstrating high civic engagement. Despite it being a weekend, residents of the country are actively participating in the electoral process, arriving at polling stations since early morning. The process is running smoothly and without delays, which ensures comfortable conditions for every voter," said Hermine Harutyunyan.
She also remarked on the festive atmosphere at the polling stations.
"Since the Republic of Armenia has years of experience operating under a parliamentary system with 100% proportional representation, we are observing the practical implementation of similar mechanisms in Kazakhstan with great interest. The current reforms lay a solid foundation for further political development," she added.
International observers specifically noted the level of digitalization of the electoral process, as well as the use of electronic services and modern technological solutions.
As a reminder, elections for deputies of the Kurultai, the unicameral Parliament, are taking place in Kazakhstan on August 23. These are the country's tenth parliamentary elections since 1991, and the first since the adoption of the new Constitution, which resulted in the dissolution of the Mazhilis and Senate.
The Kurultai will now replace the bicameral Parliament as Kazakhstan's new legislative body. It will consist of 145 deputies elected for five-year terms. Following the elections, the deputies will approve the Chairman of the Kurultai and three deputy chairs.
Seven parties are competing for the 145 seats in the Kurultai: "Adilet," "Auyl," "Ak Zhol," JSDP, "Baytaq," People's Party of Kazakhstan (NPK), and Respublica. The ballot also includes an "Against All" option.