Chairman of the CEC Nurlan Abdirov took part in the international electoral forum

 

On 22-23 June 2023, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov took part in the First Issyk-Kul Electoral Forum "Elections of the XXI century: diversity, best practices, topical issues, and ways of development", organized by the Central Election Commission for Elections and Referendums of the Kyrgyz Republic.

The forum is aimed to discuss a wide range of issues related to the improvement of electoral legislation, the introduction of advanced digital technologies, and the exchange of experience in the organization and conduct of election campaigns.

The event was attended by heads and representatives of election authorities from 10 CIS countries, neighboring countries, and overseas, delegations of a number of international organizations - the Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB), the CIS Executive Committee, the Organization of Turkic States, the Interparliamentary Assembly of CIS Member States, TURKPA, as well as representatives of state bodies, academic and expert community.

On the first day of the forum three round tables were held on the following topics: "Improving Electoral Law and Process", "Credibility and Transparency Technologies", "Youth and Elections".

The plenary session on the second day of the forum was addressed by representatives of CECs of foreign countries and international organizations.

In his report on "The Electoral System of the Republic of Kazakhstan at the Modern Stage," Chairman of the Central Election Commission Nurlan Abdirov emphasized that the constitutional reform initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K. Tokayev, and widely supported at the national referendum on 5 June of the previous year, significantly overhauled the electoral legislation and transformed the electoral system of our country. He outlined the key development directions of the electoral process in the republic, including the implementation of a mixed electoral system, expanding opportunities for citizen participation in political processes, ensuring transparency of electoral procedures and openness of electoral bodies, professionalization of electoral bodies, and much more.

According to him, the forum "provides a unique opportunity for participants to thoroughly discuss topical issues, best practices, and the ways to develop the electoral process at the modern stage".

On the sidelines of the electoral forum, Nurlan Abdirov held a series of bilateral meetings. In particular, he met with the chairpersons of the Central Election Commissions of Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Armenia, as well as with the Deputy Secretary-General of the Association of World Electoral Bodies. Additionally, informal meetings took place with the heads of delegations from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Mongolia, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, CIS IPA, ODIHR, and TURKPA.

During these meetings, there was an exchange of opinions on contemporary practices in organizing the electoral process, familiarization with legislative innovations of various countries, and the intention to deepen bilateral cooperation was expressed. The issue of potential future signing of a memorandum of understanding and cooperation with the CEC of Kazakhstan was discussed with the Chairpersons of the CECs of Turkey and Armenia.

Heads and representatives of foreign electoral bodies and international organizations were invited to participate in the International Scientific and Practical Conference dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan. It is scheduled for early December 2023.

At the end of the two-day work, the participants highlighted the significance of the new platform for promoting open dialogue, discussions, and constructive interaction, as well as seeking innovative ways to address pressing issues faced by the electoral systems of different countries. They also expressed the view on the need to build up the potential of the conducted electoral forum.