TURKPA observers hold meetings in Turkistan

On 14 March 2026, Turkistan group of the TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission held meetings in the city of Turkistan within the framework of its short-term observation of the constitutional referendum in Kazakhstan scheduled for 15 March 2026.

The Mission members first met with the Akim of the city of Turkistan Mr. Azimbek Pazylbekuly. Vice-Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health Protection and of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mr. Tahir Akyürek expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality. He highlighted the close cultural ties between Turkistan and his hometown of Konya, describing them as two brotherly Turkic cities. Mr. Akyürek referred to the decree signed by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 11 February 2026 calling the nationwide referendum, emphasizing that the event holds significant importance for Kazakhstan and carries broader meaning for the Turkic world.

Member of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations and of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mrs. Filiz Kılıç underlined that Turkistan is a dynamically developing city and the spiritual center of Kazakhstan. Together with the member of the TURKPA Commission on Environment, Natural Resources and Health Protection and of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mr. Kadim Durmaz, she thanked the city authorities for the warm reception and reaffirmed that the Mission is committed to conduct independent and impartial international observation of the referendum.

In his remarks, Akim Mr. Azimbek Pazylbekuly described Turkistan as the cultural and spiritual heart of Kazakhstan and the wider Turkic world. He highlighted the importance of the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and noted that since 2018, when Turkistan city became the administrative center of the Turkistan Region, the city has experienced rapid development. The Akim assured the Mission members that the city is fully prepared for the referendum and also referred to the upcoming international summit in Turkistan, which will bring together the leaders of eight states, including the President of the Republic of Türkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Later, the TURKPA observers met with the Chair of the Territorial Referendum Commission of the Turkistan Region Mr. Ansar Userbayev, who briefed the Mission members on the preparations for the nationwide referendum. He noted that polling stations across the region are fully equipped and operational, including infrastructure and assistive tools ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities and citizens with hearing and visual impairments. Special arrangements have also been made to ensure inclusive participation of all voters.

Mr. Userbayev emphasized the importance of international observation missions and welcomed the presence of the TURKPA Mission, noting that the referendum represents an important milestone for the democratic development of independent Kazakhstan.

In her turn, Mrs. Filiz Kılıç expressed gratitude for the constructive dialogue and reiterated that the TURKPA Mission is committed to conduct independent and impartial observation in accordance with international standards. She noted that following the voting process, the Mission will prepare and present the statement on preliminary outcomes of its observation.

TURKPA International Referendum Observation Mission conducts its observation in the cities of Astana, Almaty and Turkistan of Kazakhstan. Turkistan group of the Mission is composed of the members of the TURKPA Commissions and of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Mr. Tahir Akyürek, Mrs. Filiz Kılıç and Mr. Kadim Durmaz, TURKPA International Secretariat staff – Secretary of Commission Mr. Kadir Yaman and Research Expert Ms. Kamila Muzaffarli, and parliamentary staff from Türkiye, Legislative Expert Mr. Ercan Durdular.