OSCE trains potential election observers and Central Election Commission staff in Kazakhstan on voter registration standards

A training seminar on the various aspects of voter registration, organized by Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) in co-operation with the OSCE Programme Office in Astana and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), concluded on 16 November 2017 in Astana.

Some 60 potential election observers and CEC members learned about international practices and standards for voter registration, as well as about the experience of neighbouring countries related to voter lists, automatization of election procedures and the work of election commissions.  

“All OSCE participating States have recognized equal and universal suffrage to be key principles of a democratic election process, and they have committed to guarantee them,” said Radivoje Grujic, ODIHR Election Adviser, addressing seminar participants. “Transparency, accuracy and inclusiveness are key aspects to ensure the integrity of the voter registration process and the credibility of voter lists. Voter registration conducted according to these principles offers opportunities to enhance public confidence in the election process.”

Ambassador György Szabó, Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana, said: “Voter registration is an important tool to ensure the equal and universal participation in elections. We hope that today’s seminar will be useful for future international observers to assess the accuracy and inclusiveness of the voter registration process when monitoring elections abroad.”

Konstantin Petrov, Deputy Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, noted that voter lists and monitoring their compilation play significant roles in ensuring fair and equitable elections.  “Based on the number of registered voters, important decisions are taken in the election process, such as those related to the number of ballots and printed materials for polling stations and the calculation of voter turnout.” 

The training seminar is part of the Office’s continuous efforts to enhance the transparency and accountability of the electoral process and strengthening democratic institutions in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments.