The international observer mission of TURKPA presented preliminary results of the observation of the constitutional referendum that took place on March 15. This was reported by the organization's press service.
On March 16, representatives of the mission, which included deputies from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey, as well as staff from the TURKPA international secretariat and the Central Election Commission of Azerbaijan, held press conferences in Astana and Almaty.
The published statement of the mission lists the key changes provided by the new Constitution of Kazakhstan. In particular, it discusses the creation of a unicameral parliament — the Kurultai, which will consist of 145 deputies with expanded powers, as well as the introduction of the position of vice president and the establishment of a new advisory body — the People's Council of Kazakhstan, which will have the right to legislative initiative and the right to initiate referendums.
The document also emphasizes the organization of the referendum process, including the legal framework, voter registration, the campaign, and monitoring of the process.
Observers visited 115 polling stations in Astana, Almaty, and Turkestan on the voting day, where they monitored the process of opening polling stations, voting, and counting votes. According to them, the referendum took place in a calm atmosphere, and the voting was organized, transparent, and well-managed.
TURKPA noted that this referendum was a step towards the democratic development of Kazakhstan, providing citizens with the opportunity to express their opinions on important constitutional issues. The work of all bodies that ensured the conduct of the vote, as well as the level of preparation of the participants in the process, was also highly praised.
