On March 15, 2026, a republican referendum on the adoption of a new Constitution took place in Kazakhstan. Polling stations across the country opened at 7:00 a.m. and were accessible for voting until 8:00 p.m.
Representatives of the CIS Observer Mission led by its Head Igor Petrishenko participated in observing the opening of polling station №316 in Astana. International observers were present during the station’s opening, verifying that the voting process began in compliance with all procedures stipulated by legislation. Prior to the start of voting, ballot boxes were checked for integrity and for the absence of ballots inside. Commission members responsible for issuing ballots were identified.
According to the Head of the CIS Observer Mission Igor Petrishenko, polling stations opened on time, and the voting process itself is proceeding in accordance with established procedures.
The Head of the Mission also drew attention to the participation of young people exercising their voting rights for the first time. Igor Petrishenko noted the relatively young average age of referendum participants – around 29-30 years. This indicates that it is largely the youth who are determining the further development of their country.
He also spoke about the observers’ trips to regions, including rural localities, where they assessed the readiness of polling stations.
For reference:
The CIS Observer Mission began monitoring the preparation and conduct of the republican referendum in Kazakhstan on February 24, 2026. The Mission includes 161 accredited observers representing the CIS member states, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union of Belarus and Russia, the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member States, the Parliamentary Assembly of the CSTO, and the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Mission representatives observed the voting process from the moment polling stations open until the completion of vote counting.