Elections to Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
January 10, 2021
Kazakhstan

On 8-10 January 2021, the TURKPA International Observation Mission conducted short-term monitoring of the elections to the Mazhilis (Lower Chamber) of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan in Nur-Sultan. The Mission led by Mr. İsmet Uçma, member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (GNAT), Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, was comprised of members of the parliaments from the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey, as well as diplomatic staff of the TURKPA Secretariat.

Within the observation programme, members of the Mission met with Mr. Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairperson of the Senate (Upper Chamber) of the Parliament of Kazakhstan. Emphasizing the essential role of Turkic cooperation, Mr. Ashimbayev highlighted that the participation of representatives of the TURKPA in observing the elections is of great importance for Kazakhstan.

It was also noted that the country is taking all necessary measures to ensure the proper level of voting, taking into account the relevant recommendations of authoritative international organizations. “Over the past year, Kazakhstan has taken concrete actions to improve the country's political system. In 2020, the implementation of the presidential package of political reforms was legislatively ensured, including a 30% quota for women and youth on party lists, a simplified procedure for registering political parties and the institution of parliamentary opposition” - Mr. Ashimbayev said.

The Mission also had meetings with Mr. Shakhrat NURYSHEV, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Berik IMASHEV, Chairman of Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan and representatives of political parties.

During the meetings, the significance of the observation of elections by parliamentary dimension of Turkic cooperation was stressed. The observers were informed on logistical and technical preparations for regular elections of deputies to the Mazhilis and Maslikhats of Kazakhstan and briefed on the election platforms and basic aspects of the parties’ policies by the officials.

In their turn, the Mission members expressed their confidence that the elections would be held in fair, free and transparent manner in favor of Kazakhstani people.

On the election day, the Mission visited a number of polling stations in Nur-Sultan to monitor the voting process on the ground.

On 11 January, the Mission held a press conference on the results of its observation work and concluded that 10 January elections to Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan were held in compliance with the national legislation of Kazakhstan and international election standards.

Election/Referendum Statement