Nurlan Abdirov Met with the Head of the CIS Observation Mission

Today, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov met with Igor Petrishenko, Head of the CIS Observer Mission for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and CIS First Deputy Secretary-General. 

Welcoming the foreign delegation, Nurlan Abdirov emphasized that CIS observers have consistently participated in monitoring elections and referendums held in Kazakhstan. Expressing gratitude for the cooperation, the CEC Chairman noted that, as is customary, all necessary conditions will be created in Kazakhstan to ensure the full and effective work of international observer missions.

At the same time, the CEC Chairman provided his counterpart with detailed information on the constitutional reform carried out in Kazakhstan, as well as the key amendments introduced to the Constitutional Law on Elections.

“Allow me to inform you about the most important amendments to the Constitutional Law ‘On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan.’ Changes have been introduced to the regulatory framework governing the stages of the electoral process in the formation of the Kurultai. The requirements and restrictions for candidates for deputy positions have been updated, establishing the criteria they must meet. Thus, a person who has been declared legally incapacitated by a court, has an unexpunged or unremoved criminal record in accordance with the procedure established by law, or has been found guilty by a court of committing a corruption crime or corruption-related offense, may not be a candidate for deputy of the Kurultai. The procedure for conducting election campaigns by political parties has also been regulated, the maximum limits of political parties’ election funds have been increased, along with a number of other amendments,” - said Nurlan Abdirov.

In turn, Igor Petrishenko noted the particular historical significance of the elections being held in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the fact that this marks the 20th CIS observation mission in Kazakhstan and the 135th mission across the CIS region. 

Following the meeting, the international observers took part in a media briefing.