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Kazakhstan 2022 referendum: ODIHR observation mission final report

11 October 2022
(OSCE)

The 2022 referendum in Kazakhstan was administered efficiently but the campaign lacked meaningful debate. Together with the restrictive media environment, there were limited opportunities for voters to be informed on the substance of the proposals, although the initiative for constitutional changes was welcomed by many. The referendum took place in an environment short of genuine political pluralism. The authorities provided comprehensive information on voting procedures and on the date of the referendum, but no state body offered balanced information about the referendum proposals.

These are some of the main conclusions from the final report on Kazakhstan’s 5 June referendum published by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The final report also states that further efforts are needed to bring referenda in Kazakhstan closer in line with OSCE commitments and standards for democratic elections.

The document offers 13 recommendations to improve the conduct and transparency of referenda.

Key recommendations include:

  • Reviewing the legal framework for referenda through an inclusive and consultative process in line with OSCE commitments and good electoral practice;
  • Providing impartial, balanced and timely information to voters on proposed referendum amendments to enhance voters’ ability to make an informed choice;
  • Revising rules for the appointment of referendum commissioners to ensure the impartiality and independence of commissions at all levels;
  • Developing strict campaign rules on the misuse of administrative resources and official positions, including by introducing effective enforcement and sanctioning mechanisms;
  • Introducing comprehensive rules for referendum campaign financing, including on the use of public and private funds, reporting and auditing;
  • Introducing requirements for a balanced media coverage of referendum options and granting equal access to media to both supporters and opponents of referendum proposals;
  • Enhancing the transparency and integrity of the referendum process, including by publishing disaggregated results.

ODIHR deployed its Referendum Assessment Mission to Kazakhstan on 24 May 2022. All 57 participating States across the OSCE region have formally committed to following up promptly on ODIHR’s election assessments and recommendations.