ODIHR experts discuss electoral recommendations and reform in Kazakhstan
Election experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final report on Kazakhstan’s 2021 parliamentary elections during a visit to Nur-Sultan that took place from 10 to 14 April 2022.
The experts discussed the report’s key findings and recommendations with representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, justice, and social development and information, the Central Election Commission, the Parliament’s lower chamber, the Supreme Court, the Ombudsperson, as well as various civil society organizations and the international community.
Discussions focused on the recommendations contained in the report, such as removing restrictions on the fundamental rights of expression, peaceful assembly and association, ensuring pluralism and representativeness of the parliament, creating favourable conditions for registering political parties and for unimpeded work of citizen observers, and guaranteeing effective adjudication of election disputes. ODIHR experts emphasized the importance of carrying out electoral reform in an inclusive and consultative process.
“We appreciate the frank and constructive discussions with a broad range of stakeholders on our recommendations following our observation of the 2021 parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan,” said Ulvi Akhundlu, Deputy Head of the ODIHR Election Department. “These discussions took place in the context of the recently announced political reforms, and the next steps in our co-operation can be related to the demanding legislative agenda for this year. The Kazakhstani authorities can rely on ODIHR's support and expertise in their efforts to improve the electoral legislation and practice.”
The experts took note of plans to change the electoral system, strengthen the role of parliament and the independence of the judiciary, simplify the registration of political parties, introduce alternative voting methods and create an electronic voter register.
The ODIHR experts offered various forms of assistance to further improve the electoral process, including expert discussions, legal reviews and thematic workshops. Electoral stakeholders welcomed this potential co-operation and expressed readiness to engage in further discussions.
All OSCE participating States have committed themselves to promptly follow up on ODIHR election assessments and recommendations.