On November 28, 2011 a training seminar on international election observation was held at the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan
On November 28, 2011 a training seminar on international election observation was held at the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The seminar was attended by representatives of the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Kazakhstan, central government bodies, and ministries and departments of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Mr. Meldeshov, the Secretary of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Offenbacher, Political Advisor of the OSCE Centre in Astana, welcomed the participants with an opening speech.
Within the frames of the training seminar, the participants discussed international and national legal framework of international election observation, the requirements of the OSCE/ODIHR on election observation, as well as methods and means to identify illegal electoral technology. Also, the characteristics of international election observation as a part of missions within international organizations were reviewed. Participants shared experiences of Kazakhstani representatives on participation as election observers within the OSCE /ODIHR missions in 2011.
Training participants paid a particular attention to the issues of improving the professional level of observers who are a part of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation missions. Also, active participation of Kazakhstan representatives to monitor the elections in OSCE participating states was discussed.
To conclude the meeting, there has been an exchange of views on further development of the practices, ensuring participation of observers representing the Republic of Kazakhstan in the OSCE/ODIHR mission in 2012.
Being aware of the importance and necessity of improving the professional level of Kazakhstani observers, CEC intends to continue to develop the practices of organizing training workshops and consultations for the observers. Participation of representatives from Kazakhstan in the process of observing elections in OSCE member states will make a valuable contribution to the democratization of the electoral process and strengthening the international prestige of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Press – service
of the Central election commission
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
t. 75-21-32, 75-28-44, 75-28-43