TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission held press conferences in Astana and Almaty

On 16 March 2026, TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission composed of the members of parliament from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye, TURKPA International Secretariat staff led by the Secretary General, representatives of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan and parliamentary staff from Türkiye, held press conferences in the cities of Astana and Almaty, and presented the statement on the preliminary outcomes of its observation of the constitutional referendum in the Republic of Kazakhstan of 15 March 2026.

The Mission's statement notes the key novelties and significant changes in the institutional and legal framework of Kazakhstan foreseen in the draft Constitution submitted to the nationwide referendum, including the formation of a new unicameral Parliament (Kurultai) with new, expanded powers consisting of 145 deputies, as well as the creation of the institute of Vice President, and of a new consultative body, People’s Council of Kazakhstan, with the powers to initiate laws and referenda.

The statement focused on the main aspects of the referendum process, including the legal framework, referendum administration, voter registration, campaign and referendum observation.

According to the statement, on referendum day, the Mission members visited a total of 115 polling stations in Astana, Almaty and Turkistan, monitored the opening of polling stations, voting process and counting of votes. The referendum was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere. The Mission assessed the overall voting process at the polling stations visited as transparent, orderly and well-organized.

The Mission notes the referendum as an important step towards democratic development of Kazakhstan, which provided the citizens with the opportunity to express their will directly on issues of constitutional significance. It commends the efficient work and professionalism demonstrated by referendum administration bodies in administering the referendum process, and the activities of the Central Referendum Commission on training of the participants of the referendum process and voter education.

It is noted that the polling stations observed were adequately prepared for the voting process. The Mission notes the presence of domestic observers in the polling stations visited, which contributed to the transparency of the voting process. The Mission observed no significant violations that could affect the overall outcome of the referendum.

The Mission positively notes the measures taken by referendum administration bodies to ensure the electoral rights of and the accessibility of polling stations for voters with disabilities, including the provision of polling stations with stencils with Braille script, audio version of the text of the draft Constitution, as well as other relevant infrastructure and assistive tools.

The Mission concludes that the constitutional referendum in the Republic of Kazakhstan of 15 March 2026 was held in compliance with the national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and international standards.

In its activity, the Mission followed the principles of impartiality, objectivity, independence, transparency and non-interference in the election/referendum process in accordance with the TURKPA Regulations “On Election Observation” and relevant international instruments.

TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission conducted the observation of the referendum in the cities of Astana, Almaty and Turkistan of Kazakhstan. The Mission was composed of the Members of Parliament – Mr. Osman Mesten (from Türkiye, in the capacity of the Head of Mission), Mrs. Malahat Ibrahimgizi, Mrs. Tamam Jafarova (both from Azerbaijan), Mr. Yrysbek Atazhanov (from Kyrgyzstan), Mr. Tahir Akyürek, Mr. Mahmut Özer, Mr. Cemal Enginyurt, Mrs. Filiz Kılıç and Mr. Kadim Durmaz (all from Türkiye), TURKPA International Secretariat staff led by the Secretary General Ambassador Ramil Hasan – Deputies Secretary General Mr. Talgat Aduov and Mr. Muhammet Alper Hayali, Secretaries of Commission Ms. Aynura Abutalibova, Mr. Bauyrzhan Datkayev and Mr. Kadir Yaman, staff members Mr. Alasgar Aghayev, Mr. Azar Mammadov and Ms. Kamila Muzaffarli, and parliamentary staff from Türkiye – Legislative Expert Mr. Ercan Durdular, and Secretaries of Delegation Mr. Kürşat Melih Sarıarslan and Mr. Abdullah Nuri Ayvaz.