The meeting was also attended by Deputy Chairman of the CRC Mukhtar Yerman, CRC member Mikhail Bortnik, and Adviser to the CIS Executive Committee Oleg Kuleba.

Nurlan Abdirov briefed the leadership of the Mission on the progress of preparations for the national referendum scheduled for 15 March, informed them of the key stages of the campaign, and updated them on the accreditation of international observers.

It was noted that the work to update the infrastructure of referendum polling stations has been completed. The voter lists include 12,416,759 citizens eligible to participate in the vote. Information services are in place enabling citizens to verify their inclusion on the lists. Traditionally, on voting day two online services will be available: checking whether a citizen is included on the voter list, and the option of temporary registration on voting day.

Extensive informational outreach is being carried out using all communication channels. It should be noted that each voter will be given a personalized invitation card with a QR code containing comprehensive information about the referendum.

The Central Referendum Commission emphasizes the priority of ensuring conditions for the full exercise of citizens’ electoral rights, including for persons with disabilities. The conditions stipulated by law are being created to enable representatives of accredited public associations, non-profit organizations, and the media to carry out their activities at referendum polling stations.

The Chairman of the CRC expressed gratitude to the Headquarters of the CIS Observer Mission for its continued participation in observing electoral campaigns in the country.

In turn, the Head of Headquarters of the CIS Observer Mission spoke about the Mission’s activities and thanked the CRC for the conditions created for its effective work in Kazakhstan. He noted that the Mission would assess the conduct of the referendum for compliance with universally recognized democratic principles and national legislation, and that it would announce its assessment in a statement agreed with all coordinators from the CIS countries on the day following the vote.

At a subsequent media briefing, it was announced that the Headquarters of the CIS Observer Mission (comprising seven observers) has begun its work as of today.