CEC ASSESSED THE READINESS OF THE AKTOBE REGION AND 

ZHETISU REGION FOR THE ELECTIONS OF KURULTAI DEPUTIES

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan continues its comprehensive assessment of regional readiness for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai, scheduled for August 23, 2026. As part of the inspection visits conducted on August 6-7, Secretary of the Central Election Commission Shavkhat Utemissov visited the Aktobe Region, while CEC member Azamat Aimanakumov visited the Zhetisu Region.

Aktobe Region

The readiness of six polling stations in the village of Karaukeldy of Baiganin District, as well as polling stations in the city of Aktobe, for Election Day, the provision of a barrier-free environment, and the level of preparedness of election commission members were among the key issues addressed during Secretary of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Shavkhat Utemissov’s working visit to the Aktobe Region.

He met with members of the Monitoring Group on Ensuring the Electoral Rights of Persons with Disabilities. As part of their assessment, the group members plan to pay close attention to the quality and accessibility of voting conditions for persons with disabilities.

“Traditionally, during the election preparation period, we involve representatives of public associations of persons with disabilities and relevant stakeholders in this work. Their participation enables us to obtain an objective assessment of conditions at polling stations, take into account the practical needs of citizens, and promptly take measures to eliminate potential barriers. It is important that on Election Day, every person, regardless of their health status, is able to independently and equally exercise their constitutional right to participate in elections,” - Shavkhat Utemissov noted.

Members of the Monitoring Group presented their work plans and also put forward a number of proposals to improve access to information for persons with hearing impairments.

The practical training of election commission members was another priority of the working visit. The CEC Secretary took part in a training seminar for 100 members of territorial and precinct election commissions, where he familiarized himself with the practical implementation of the cascade training model introduced by the Central Election Commission across all regions of the country.

As the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai are being held, the uniform application of the provisions of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan” is of particular importance. Therefore, the training focused on practical exercises covering the procedures to be followed at all stages of the electoral process - from informing citizens and organizing voting to ensuring the electoral rights of persons with disabilities and interacting with observers, authorized representatives, and media representatives.

To assess the effectiveness of the training, election commission members completed a knowledge assessment on electoral legislation and election procedures.

Inspection Results and Further Election Preparations

The results of the inspection and issues related to further preparations for the elections were discussed at a meeting chaired by Shavkhat Utemissov, attended by the Chairperson of the territorial election commission and heads of local executive bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other government authorities.

Opening the meeting, CEC Secretary Shavkhat Utemissov noted that, in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” government bodies, local self-government bodies, and their officials assist election commissions in exercising their powers. He emphasized that coordinated efforts by all government bodies involved in organizing and conducting the voting are of key importance.

In this regard, Shavkhat Utemissov drew the participants’ attention to the need to ensure the uninterrupted operation of telecommunications facilities and Internet networks, the readiness of election infrastructure, the effective operation of call centers amid an expected increase in the number of inquiries from citizens, as well as the prompt elimination of deficiencies identified during monitoring related to the accessibility of polling stations.

Particular attention was also paid to informing citizens. Starting from August 7, voters have been able to verify their personal information in the list of citizens eligible to vote, as well as find out the number and address of their polling station through electronic services. The online service is available on the GOV.KZ portal, dedicated election-related online resources, and the eGov Mobile app under the “Popular Services” section. For users’ convenience, access to these services is also available via QR codes.

For reference: A total of 539 election commissions, comprising 3,557 members, have been established for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai in the Aktobe Region.

Zhetisu Region

As part of preparations for the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai, on August 6-7, CEC member Azamat Aimanakumov inspected the readiness of the Zhetisu Region for voting. A total of 479 election commissions have been established in the region, comprising 2,989 members.

The number of registered voters in the Zhetisu Region is 443,220.

The inspection programme covered the cities of Taldykorgan and Tekeli, as well as Eskeldi District. The CEC member’s work focused not only on the readiness of polling stations for voting, but also on the preparedness of precinct election commissions for practical work from the very first day of their operation, including informing citizens, verifying voter lists, ensuring appropriate voting conditions, and applying electoral procedures in accordance with the requirements of the legislation.

During the visit, Azamat Aimanakumov held a meeting attended by the Chairperson of the regional territorial election commission and heads of local executive bodies, law enforcement agencies, and other government authorities. The meeting addressed issues related to cooperation between government bodies in assisting election commissions in exercising their powers, including ensuring the readiness of polling stations, uninterrupted telecommunications and power supply, public order, and other organizational conditions necessary for conducting the vote.

The CEC member also paid particular attention to the seminar programme, which was developed with due regard to the key objectives of the election campaign. Participants received explanations on preparations for and the conduct of elections of deputies of the Kurultai, the practical application of the new provisions of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the specifics of election-related information support, as well as the rights and responsibilities of media representatives and observers and the procedures for their interaction with election commissions.

As part of inspection visits, members of the Central Election Commission will visit all regions of the country. Their main objective is to ensure the uniform application of electoral legislation, promptly identify and address any organizational issues, and ensure that the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai are conducted in accordance with the principles of legality, transparency, openness, and equal opportunities for all participants in the electoral process.