EQUIPMENT, TRAINING, AND INFORMATION: CEC CHAIRMAN 

CHECKS THE READINESS OF POLLING STATIONS IN ASTANA

The Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov, as part of an inspection visit, visited a number of polling stations in Astana, where he reviewed preparations for the election of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scheduled for August 23, 2026.

The CEC Chairman inspected the readiness of the capital’s electoral infrastructure, the organization of election commissions’ work to inform citizens, and the creation of the necessary conditions for citizens to exercise their voting rights.

During the visits, it was noted that 57 venues have currently been prepared in Astana for meetings with voters. Political parties have been provided with the opportunity to place campaign materials on 85 specially designated information boards.

A total of 524 election commissions comprising 4,263 people will be involved in conducting the elections in the capital. In total, 520 polling stations have been prepared, including 117 temporary polling stations. All polling stations have been equipped with the necessary material and technical resources. In addition, online services to facilitate voting will be available at all polling stations on election day. Furthermore, 30 mini Public Service Centres (mini-PSCs) are planned to operate on election day.

It should be noted that as part of the inspection visit, Nurlan Abdirov reviewed the work of Polling Stations No. 100, 104, 105, and 323.

Training of Election Commission Members

A training seminar for 474 members of election commissions was held that same day at L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University. Participants refreshed their knowledge of the provisions of electoral legislation and the practice of their application, reviewed the procedures for organizing the work of precinct election commissions at all stages of the electoral process, voting-day procedures, and the rules for completing the required documentation. 

Special attention was paid to action algorithms for handling non-standard and contentious situations, as well as effective communication among election commission members.

Informing Citizens - A Key Focus

As part of the visit, a meeting was also held with representatives of government bodies of Astana and members of territorial election commissions to discuss preparations for and the conduct of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Particular attention at the meeting was paid to informing the public about the upcoming elections and measures to ensure the effective organization of work on election day.

In particular, the participants discussed obtaining an absentee voting certificate, finding one’s polling station, voting at home, the operation of call centres, and ensuring accessibility of polling stations for persons with disabilities.

“I call on representatives of all stakeholders to pay particular attention to the importance of uninterrupted operation of engineering infrastructure and the internet network. In addition, polling stations must be equipped in accordance with the established requirements, and all necessary conditions must be created for persons with disabilities,” - Nurlan Abdirov told the participants of the meeting. 

It should be noted that earlier, the CEC Chairman inspected polling stations in the Karaganda, Turkistan, and Mangystau regions, as well as in the city of Shymkent. At the same time, other CEC members are also working in the regions of the country. These working visits will cover polling stations in all regions of the country and will continue through August 17.