At the invitation from Kazakhstan, the CIS Observation Mission has begun observing the preparations for the elections to Kurultai in Kazakhstan.
On August 3, 2026, Igor Petrishenko, Head of the CIS Observation Mission to Kazakhstan and CIS First Deputy Secretary-General, met with Nurlan Abdirov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan. The sides discussed the preparations for the first elections to Kurultai and the organization of the Mission’s activities.
Igor Petrishenko noted that this is already the 135th CIS Observation Mission deployed for elections in the CIS member states and the 20th in Kazakhstan.
The Mission’s Head also highlighted the main observation principles – objective assessment of the election campaign in terms of compliance with national legislation and support in holding free and democratic elections. He emphasized that the Mission will carry out its functions strictly in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan, based on generally recognized principles and norms of international law in the field of organization and conduct of elections, and respecting the sovereignty of the state.
Igor Petrishenko also said that as of today the Mission’s headquarters and long-term observers had begun their work. They will analyze Kazakhstan’s legislation, develop observation routes and methodical materials for short- and long-term observers, and determine their working procedures on the eve and on election day in Astana and the regions.
The most important part of the observation will become meeting with leadership of political parties and official representatives of government authorities.
The Chairman of the Central Commission informed the Mission about the measures taken by the electoral authorities to prepare the elections and about the specifics of the election campaign. He also elaborated on the work of the Central Commission under the new constitutional framework, which consolidated the shift to a new institutional model.
Nurlan Abdirov noted that the work of the Central Commission and territorial and precinct election commissions will be transparent and commissions’ members will be open to cooperation with international observers.
Following the meeting, Igor Petrishenko addressed the media. He expressed confidence that the results of the election campaign will contribute to further development of democratic institutions and improvement of electoral practices in Kazakhstan. For its part, the CIS Observer Mission will make every effort to facilitate these tasks.
At the meeting with Alibek Kuantyrov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Igor Petrishenko informed about the Mission’s membership and the organization of the observation process, as well as expressed gratitude to the leadership of Kazakhstan for their timely invitation of the Mission.
Alibek Kuantyrov, in his turn, elaborated on the voting process at polling stations and expressed readiness to assist. He highly evaluated the Mission’s work and informed about the prospects of Kazakhstan’s participation in integration cooperation within the Commonwealth of Independent States.