Delegation of Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission Participates 

in International Observation of Elections in Armenia

A delegation of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by CEC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov, took part in the international observation mission for the elections of deputies to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

The observation mission also included Azamat Aimanakumov and Lazzat Suyindik, members of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan; Alexander Malashko, Chairman of the Kostanay Regional Election Commission; and representatives of the Engineering and Technical Center of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Upon their arrival in Armenia, international observers were briefed on the preparatory measures undertaken and the key aspects of organizing and conducting the parliamentary elections.

A bilateral meeting was held with the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Hovakimyan. During the meeting, he provided an overview of the electoral campaign, the technological solutions employed, and the measures implemented to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.

The parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening professional cooperation and exchanging practical experience on matters related to the organization and conduct of elections.

On election day, representatives of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan visited polling stations No. 9/11, 9/12, 9/19, 9/28, 9/29, 9/35, 9/36, 9/41, 9/43, 9/44, 9/46, 9/49, 9/50, and 9/60 in Yerevan, where they familiarized themselves with the work of the election commissions and the conditions provided for voters. The delegation also observed the procedures for the closing of polling stations and the counting of ballots.

To ensure the effective exercise of electoral rights by voters with visual impairments, Braille ballot templates were made available at polling stations.

Information on the progress of voting and the preliminary election results was accessible in real time through the Information Center of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia.

Following the observation mission, Nurlan Abdirov noted the high level of organization of the elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the observance of procedures established by national legislation. He also highlighted the use of voter identification technologies during the electoral process.

During meetings with delegations from the election management bodies of Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Estonia, Nurlan Abdirov informed his counterparts about the results of the recent national referendum held in Kazakhstan, the key provisions of the new Constitution, and measures aimed at the further improvement of electoral legislation.

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission also invited his colleagues to participate as international observers in the upcoming elections of deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Background Information

The Republic of Armenia is a parliamentary republic. The National Assembly is the country's unicameral parliament, whose members are elected for a five-year term under a proportional electoral system.

To gain representation in parliament, a political party must receive at least 4 percent of the vote. Electoral alliances consisting of two parties are subject to an 8 percent threshold, while alliances of three or more parties must obtain at least 10 percent of the vote to enter parliament.