Chairman of the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov

visited Akmola Region

On June 4-5, 2025, as part of the preparations for the upcoming election of the Akim of the Zerendi District scheduled for June 15, 2025, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov conducted an inspection visit to the Zerendi District of the Akmola Region.

He was accompanied by Deputy Chairman of the CEC Mukhtar Yerman, CEC Secretary Shavkhat Utemissov, CEC members Azamat Aymanakumov, Mikhail Bortnik, Assylbek Smagulov, and senior staff of the Commission’s Secretariat.

As part of the visit, the Chairman of the CEC met with members of the territorial election commissions of the region and Zerendi District, who serve on a professional and permanent basis, as well as with members of the precinct election commissions. The meeting focused on issues related to the current election campaign, preparedness for the upcoming elections, the equipment of polling stations, and the continuous electoral training of election commission members at all levels.

During the visit to the region, the Head of the Central Election Commission visited the territorial election commission of Zerendi District and polling station No. 554, where he reviewed the preparations for the upcoming vote. While inspecting the polling station, Nurlan Abdirov emphasized “the importance of informing all voters about the ongoing campaign, ensuring the secrecy of the vote, creating appropriate conditions for voters, supporting the work of observers and media representatives, and guaranteeing the electoral rights of persons with disabilities.”

As part of monitoring the electoral training process, a control test was conducted to assess election commission members' knowledge of electoral legislation and procedures.A seminar-training session was also held for members of the territorial and precinct election commissions. During the session, the current legal and regulatory framework was explained in detail, and participants received answers to all questions related to the organization and conduct of elections. The practical part of the seminar employed practice-oriented methods and action algorithms for the election campaign period, including case studies and their practical solutions based on electoral legislation.

As part of the visit, a meeting on the organization of the election of the Akim of Zerendi District was held under the chairmanship of Nurlan Abdirov. Heads of territorial election commissions, local executive bodies, and law enforcement agencies reported on the work being carried out in preparation for the election. The CEC Chairman emphasized to the officials present the importance of conducting the election in strict compliance with electoral legislation, ensuring transparency and openness, and guaranteeing public and overall security at all stages of the electoral process.

A total of 72 election commissions are involved in the election campaign for the Akim of Zerendi District, including two territorial election commissions and 70 precinct election commissions.

In keeping with tradition, Nurlan Abdirov met with young voters of the Zerendi District. More than 50 participants attended the meeting with the CEC Chairman.

At the meeting, the CEC Chairman spoke about the features of Kazakhstan’s updated electoral system in the context of the 2022 Constitutional Reform.

“The transformation of the country’s electoral system marks a shift toward a fundamentally new model of forming state institutions by increasing public participation in governance. At its core, the innovations within the electoral system are based on the demands and proposals of the public,” Nurlan Abdirov emphasized. He also spoke about recent electoral campaigns, current trends and international practices in the electoral field, as well as the CEC of Kazakhstan’s participation in international election observation missions and referendums in other countries.

The traditional online survey on current electoral issues generated significant interest and active participation from young voters. The survey results revealed the following insights:

• 82,8% support the requirement of prior public service experience for presidential candidates;

• 32,8% prefer voting using paper ballots;

• 55,2% believe that citizens declared legally incapacitated by a court should not have the right to vote;

• 51,7% think that individuals convicted of crimes and serving prison sentences should not be entitled to vote;

• 63,8% learn about upcoming elections or referendums primarily through social media.

The meeting concluded with a session for questions and answers and a lively discussion with the youth of Zerendi District. For instance, Assem Gizzat, a young specialist, inquired about the requirements for holding the position of chairperson of a territorial election commission; Adilet Baimukan asked about international practices in the electoral field; Ayagoz Kenzhegozina was interested in how candidates' electoral deposits are spent; Aksaulesh Omarova asked about opportunities to work as a member of a precinct election commission; and Tuyak Sherkhan raised a question about the rights of observers to take photos and videos at polling stations. Sandugash Kaliyeva proposed creating a unified portal for all citizens, where comprehensive information about elections in the country would be made available.

Participants who actively engaged in the discussion were presented with academic publications on electoral topics.