On February 8, 2023, a meeting between Chairman of the Central Election 

Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan N.Abdirov with Head of the 

OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission for the Elections of Mazhilis Members to 

the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Eoghan Murphy was held

Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan N. Abdirov noted that the forthcoming early elections of the Mazhilis members to the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan will be held according to new electoral rules and norms in accordance with the amendments to the Constitutional Act on Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This specifically concerns the norm on the transition to a new proportional-majoritarian model in the elections of members of the Mazhilis of the Parliament and maslikhats of all levels, the introduction of an imperative mandate to recall members of the Mazhilis and maslikhat, and expanding the opportunities for media representatives to be present at the polling station on voting day.

Nurlan Abdirov emphasised that a number of other amendments to the electoral legislation fully comply with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR Mission made following the observation of 2021 parliamentary elections.

Representatives of the OSCE/ODIHR Mission were informed about all stages of the campaign and actions of the electoral authorities during the period of preparation for the elections. The CEC Chairman also noted the importance of training for both the organisers and other participants of the electoral process, including political parties, media representatives, NGOs, youth and persons with disabilities. He stressed that the Central Election Commission will ensure that the election campaign is conducted in strict accordance with the legislation and will create all conditions for healthy and fair competition.

Chairman of the Central Election Commission Nurlan Abdirov expressed his gratitude to the OSCE/ODIHR Mission for the constant participation in the observation of the elections and the referendum in the Republic of Kazakhstan and assured that all the necessary conditions for full-fledged work will be created for the Mission.

In turn, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Mission E. Murphy thanked for the cooperation established between the two organisations, as well as for the conditions created for the work of the Mission. He also informed that on March 19, the ODIHR Mission will be joined by the Head of the ODIHR Office and a group of observers from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue the already established practice of participation of representatives of the ODIHR Mission both in regular meetings of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and in training events and meetings of dialogue platforms organised at the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The CEC Chairman also expressed readiness to meet with representatives of the ODIHR Mission during visits to all regions of the country.