As of 7 July 2026, the Central Election Commission has received notifications on the conduct of public opinion polls from three (3) legal entities, with copies of the relevant documents attached, namely:
Thus, pursuant to paragraph 9 of Article 28 of the Constitutional Law “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” public opinion polls may be conducted by legal entities registered in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, having at least five years of experience in conducting public opinion polls, provided that they have given prior written notification to the Central Election Commission with copies of the relevant documents attached.
The notification submitted to the Central Election Commission shall include information on the specialists participating in the conduct of the poll and having experience in this field, the regions where the public opinion polls will be conducted, and the methods of analysis to be applied.
When publishing the results of public opinion polls related to elections, mass media and online platforms are required to indicate the legal entity that conducted the poll, the persons who commissioned and paid for the poll, the period during which the poll was conducted, the method of data collection, the exact wording of the question, the number of respondents, and the margin of error of the poll results.
The publication of the results of public opinion polls, forecasts of election results, other election-related research, and voting in support of candidates or political parties in mass media and on online platforms is not permitted within five days before election day and on election day.
It is prohibited to conduct public opinion polls on election day inside a polling station or voting premises.
The violation of the conditions for conducting a public opinion poll related to elections shall entail administrative responsibility under Article 120 of the Code of Administrative Infractions.
On 3 July 2026, the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in accordance with the Plan for Organizing Training for Participants in the Electoral Process, held a seminar for representatives of political parties on the preparation and conduct of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scheduled for 23 August 2026.
Members of the Central Election Commission and representatives of government agencies served as the main speakers at the seminar.
During the seminar, the participants were informed about the specific aspects of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai and received explanations regarding innovations in electoral legislation, including issues related to the nomination and registration of party lists, non-state financing, the conduct of election campaigning, and the activities of authorized representatives.
The participants were also provided with comprehensive answers to all questions of a legal and organizational nature concerning the ongoing electoral campaign.
In accordance with paragraph 3 of Article 28 of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” mass media and users of online platforms shall, no later than five days before the start of election campaign, that is, no later than 18 July 2026, announce and publish information on the amount of payment, and conditions for posting campaign materials provided on a contractual basis, and submit such information to the Central Election Commission.
Mass media and users of online platforms providing airtime, print space and the amount of information on a contractual basis may not place or distribute campaign materials of political parties that have nominated party lists until the publication of information on the amount of payment, conditions for posting campaign materials.
Information on the amount of payment, and conditions for posting campaign materials may be sent to the following email addresses:
zh.tanirbergen@election.gov.kz
a.kulmaganbetova@election.gov.kz
Central Election Commission
of the Republic of Kazakhstan
https://t.me/electionelection
On 1 July 2026, as part of the election campaign for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, scheduled for 23 August 2026, the first meeting of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan was held.
The meeting took place on the day the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan entered into force, establishing the transition to a new model of state structure. In accordance with the Fundamental Law, the Kurultai, a unicameral body, became the country’s highest representative body exercising legislative power.
The chairpersons and members of the territorial election commissions of the capital, regions and cities of republican significance, as well as heads of the offices of regional akims, joined the meeting via videoconference.
Among those invited were representatives of political parties, mass media, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Internal Affairs, Finance, Culture and Information, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, as well as representatives of the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In accordance with the agenda of the meeting, the Commission considered the following issues:
Opening the meeting, Nurlan Abdirov, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, emphasized that the meeting marked the beginning of preparations for the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai, which will be held under the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“For the Central Election Commission and all election commissions, this is a great responsibility. Our task is to ensure that the elections are conducted in strict compliance with the law, openly, transparently and at a high organizational level, while creating equal conditions for all participants in the electoral process,” he noted.
On the first item on the agenda, Mukhtar Yerman, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission, delivered a report. He presented the Calendar Plan of main activities for the preparation and conduct of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, developed in accordance with the requirements of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
The speaker explained the main stages of the election campaign, including the procedure for nominating and registering party lists, the timeframe for pre-election campaigning, as well as other key activities provided for in the Calendar Plan.
Following consideration of the issue, the Central Election Commission approved the Calendar Plan of main activities for the preparation and conduct of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan - the key document defining the stages of the election campaign and the related electoral procedures.
On the second item on the agenda, Azamat Aimanakumov, a member of the Central Election Commission, presented the resolution “On Establishing the Forms of Election Documents for the Elections of Deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
It was noted that, in accordance with subparagraph 6) of Article 12 of the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the Central Election Commission establishes the forms of election documents.
The draft resolution approves 21 forms of election documents to be used at various stages of the election campaign. Following the adoption of the resolution, the approved forms will be posted on the official website of the Central Election Commission.
On the third item on the meeting agenda, Azamat Aimanakumov, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, stated that the formation of up-to-date and reliable voter lists is one of the key organizational elements of the electoral process and is carried out in accordance with the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan” and the Rules for Compiling Voter Lists.
As of 1 July 2026, the Register of Voters includes 12,561,644 citizens permanently registered at their place of residence. A total of 10,427 polling stations will be used for the conduct of the elections, including 82 polling stations abroad in 64 countries.
Particular attention was paid to the deadlines for compiling and submitting voter lists. Local executive bodies will submit voter lists to precinct election commissions by 2 August, and they will be available for voters to review from 7 August 2026.
In addition, the members of the Commission were provided with information on the procedure for voting with absentee voting certificates. It was noted that their issuance will begin on 7 August and end on 22 August 2026 at 6:00 p.m. local time.
Following consideration of the issue, the Central Election Commission adopted the resolution “On Organizing Work with Voter Lists for the Elections of Deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Scheduled for 23 August 2026.”
Local executive bodies were instructed to ensure the completeness and accuracy of voter lists, the timely introduction of changes to them on the basis of submitted applications, broad public awareness-raising on the procedure for inclusion in voter lists, as well as the effective operation of call centers, digital services and online resources for checking information on citizens’ inclusion in voter lists.
During the meeting, the official address of the Central Election Commission to voters was also announced. The document provides explanations on relevant issues concerning inclusion in voter lists, verification of personal data and the exercise of the right to vote, and calls on citizens to actively participate in the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai.
The next item on the agenda was the consideration of the main amendments and additions introduced to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
Assel Zhanabilova, a member of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, spoke about the key changes in electoral legislation.
According to her, in order to implement the provisions of the new Constitution and improve electoral legislation, amendments were introduced on 11 June of this year to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
The amendments are aimed at ensuring the exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights, as well as improving the electoral process.
Specific amendments establish provisions related to the conduct of the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai.
At the same time, the fundamental principles of electoral law and the mechanisms for organizing elections have been preserved.
The Kurultai consists of 145 deputies elected in a single nationwide electoral district under a proportional electoral system. The term of office of deputies is five years.
Assel Zhanabilova paid particular attention to the amendments concerning the participation of political parties in the elections. Thus, the transitional provisions establish the procedure for paying the election fee during the first elections of deputies of the Kurultai.
Political parties that received five percent or more of the votes in the 2023 elections of deputies of Parliament are exempt from paying the election fee. Parties that received between three and five percent of the votes shall pay 50 percent of the established amount of the fee, while parties that received between one and three percent shall pay 70 percent.
In addition, political parties have been granted the right to conduct pre-election campaigning on their own online resources and accounts on online platforms.
At the same time, it is prohibited to use campaign materials that were not prepared specifically for the current election campaign, as well as to photograph, video-record, or disseminate images of a completed ballot paper on election day.
According to the CEC member, one of the key principles of electoral legislation is preserved - the financing of pre-election campaigning by political parties exclusively through election funds. At the same time, the maximum amounts of political parties’ election funds have been increased.
The new provisions expand the possibilities for establishing polling stations at organizations with continuous production operations and at sites where work is organized on a rotational basis, which will make it possible to ensure the exercise by their employees of the constitutional right to participate in elections.
The participants in the electoral process were then reminded of the key legal requirements regulating the conduct of pre-election campaigning, the activities of mass media and users of online platforms, and the conduct of public opinion polls.
“Pre-election campaigning has clearly established timeframes under the law. It begins after the completion of the registration of party lists, after 6:00 p.m. on 23 July, and ends at 12:00 a.m. on 22 August. Any calls to vote for or against a political party are permitted exclusively during this period. Campaigning before the start of the established period, as well as on the campaign silence day and on election day, is prohibited by law,” noted Lyazzat Suyindik, a member of the Central Election Commission.
At the same time, before the start of the pre-election campaigning period, the dissemination of information about the activities of a political party does not in itself constitute pre-election campaigning, provided that such materials are purely informational in nature and do not contain signs of encouraging voters to vote for or against a political party.
Special attention was paid to mass media and users of online platforms. In order to place campaign materials, they are required, no later than five days before the start of campaigning, to publish and submit to the Central Election Commission information on the cost and terms of their placement. Until this requirement is fulfilled, the publication of campaign materials is not permitted.
In accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, citizens and public associations have the right to conduct pre-election campaigning that does not require financing.
It is a different matter when mass media, individuals and legal entities provide services to candidates or political parties for the conduct of pre-election campaigning on a paid basis.
In this case, such services must be paid for exclusively through election funds, with the written consent of the political party obtained.
In addition, the CEC member stated that only legal entities meeting the requirements of the Constitutional Law have the right to conduct and publish the results of public opinion polls related to elections.
On the fifth item, CEC Secretary Shavkat Utemissov informed the participants that the procedure for nominating party lists is based on the principles of openness and intra-party democracy.
“The Constitutional Law ‘On Elections’ creates equal conditions for all political parties to participate in elections. Every party that meets the established requirements has the opportunity to nominate its party list. At the same time, the nomination and registration procedure is clearly regulated: from the adoption of a decision by the party’s highest body to the verification of documents by the Central Election Commission. This approach ensures transparency and the uniform application of legislation,” Shavkat Utemissov emphasized.
Special attention in the report was paid to the requirements and restrictions applicable to candidates for deputies of the Kurultai. In particular, a person whose legal incapacity has been recognized by a court, who has a criminal record that has not been expunged or removed in the manner prescribed by law, or whose guilt in committing a corruption crime or corruption offence has been recognized by a court in the manner prescribed by law may not be a candidate for deputy of the Kurultai.
During the meeting, the procedure for registering party lists was also explained, including the requirements for their formation. The legislation establishes that women, youth and persons with disabilities must collectively account for at least 30 percent of the total number of candidates included in a party list.
Summing up his remarks, Shavkat Utemissov noted that all procedures provided for by legislation are aimed at ensuring equal conditions for the participation of political parties in elections, the transparency of the electoral process, and compliance with the constitutional principles of legality and openness.
On the sixth item on the meeting agenda, Mukhtar Yerman, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, delivered a report.
In order to create legal and organizational conditions for the activities of international observers, he presented the resolution “On Certain Issues Relating to the Activities of Observers from Foreign States, International Organizations, and Representatives of Foreign Mass Media during the Elections of Deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Scheduled for 23 August 2026.”
The document defines the procedure for sending invitations to foreign states and international organizations, accrediting international observers, and issuing them certificates of the established form.
The resolution also provides for the possibility of observation by representatives of foreign mass media, provided that they are accredited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition, it regulates issues related to the withdrawal of accreditation in the event of a violation of the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan or generally recognized norms of international law.
The adoption of the resolution opens the institution of international observation for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
On the final item on the agenda, Shavkat Utemissov, Secretary of the Central Election Commission, presented information on the organization of electoral training as part of preparations for the elections of deputies of the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
For the conduct of the elections of deputies of the Kurultai, the Central Election Commission will deploy a multi-level system of electoral training. More than 71,000 members of territorial and precinct election commissions will undergo training, as they will be responsible for ensuring that voting is conducted in accordance with the new Constitution and the updated electoral legislation.
“The first elections of deputies of the Kurultai are being held under a new constitutional model of state structure. Therefore, our key task is to ensure the uniform application of electoral legislation throughout the country. The cascade training model, unified methodology and multi-level quality control make it possible to train more than 71,000 members of election commissions within the established timeframes and ensure uniform standards for organizing the electoral process,” noted Shavkat Utemissov, Secretary of the Central Election Commission.
The training will be organized according to a cascade model in three consecutive stages. At the first stage, the Central Election Commission will train 821 members of territorial election commissions exercising their powers on a permanent professional basis in a remote format. At the same time, an online meeting will be held for commission heads on the application of electoral legislation and the organization of certain electoral procedures.
At the second stage, the trained specialists will conduct training for 908 members of territorial commissions, as well as for more than 31,000 chairpersons, deputy chairpersons and secretaries of precinct election commissions. At the final stage, the leadership of precinct commissions will train more than 38,000 members of precinct election commissions. This approach will ensure full coverage of all levels of commissions and uniform training standards within the established timeframes.
The Central Election Commission is currently finalizing the development of a unified Training and Methodological Package, which will serve as the main methodological standard for all regions. In addition, a training film will be prepared on the organization of the work of a precinct election commission on election day.
In addition to the training of commission members, training activities will be conducted at the central and regional levels for representatives of political parties, accredited public associations and non-governmental organizations, and mass media. Participants will be briefed on the legal framework and practical issues related to the preparation and conduct of elections.
Monitoring of the organization of training in the regions will be carried out as part of on-site seminars and meetings with the participation of members of the Central Election Commission and staff of its Office. An integral part of the programme is remote testing for all categories of election commission members, which will make it possible to assess not only their knowledge of legislation, but also their readiness to apply it in practice when conducting electoral procedures. Upon successful completion of the testing, participants will be issued an electronic certificate.
Concluding the meeting, Nurlan Abdirov noted that the coordinated, professional and responsible work of election commissions at all levels is the foundation for the high-quality organization of the election campaign. He emphasized that strict compliance with electoral legislation remains the main requirement for all participants in the electoral process, and that the Central Election Commission will exercise continuous control over compliance with the legislation at all stages of the preparation and conduct of the elections.
Dear representatives of the mass media
On behalf of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, I congratulate you on your professional holiday - Media Workers’ Day!
In the context of large-scale transformations and the implementation of the provisions of the new Constitution, high-quality and objective journalism is gaining particular importance. It is the mass media that serve as an important link between the state and society, contribute to strengthening public dialogue, raising citizens’ legal awareness, and affirming national values such as the rule of law, justice, and a human-centered state.
Representatives of the media community also play an invaluable role in ensuring the openness of electoral processes. During election campaigns, domestic media consistently demonstrate high professionalism, impartiality, and a responsible attitude toward their work, making a significant contribution to ensuring the transparency of the electoral process.
Today, in a period of rapid development of information technologies and an increasing volume of information, factual accuracy and impartial coverage of events are more important than ever. Citizens’ awareness, the culture of public dialogue, and the atmosphere of trust in society largely depend on these qualities.
I thank you for your principled approach, objectivity, and commitment to the high standards of the profession.
I wish you good health, well-being, creative inspiration, interesting projects, professional success, and new achievements!
With best wishes,
Chairman of the CEC RK
Nurlan Abdirov
On June 24-25, the Central Election Commission held an online training seminar for 160 members of territorial election commissions from all regions of the country.
The course program covered a wide range of practical issues related to the preparation and conduct of elections. Participants discussed current amendments and innovations in electoral legislation, as well as procedures for informing voters, election campaigning, and observation.
Special attention was given to practical skills development, including the analysis of cases from previous election campaigns and the planning of electoral campaigns within territorial commissions - covering the calendar, coordination, and interaction with precinct election commissions. The final session of the second day was a practical training on communications in the electoral process.
A significant part of the program was conducted in an interactive format: participants worked in small groups, analyzed video-based practical situations, prepared case solutions, and presented them for subsequent expert review. This approach made it possible not only to examine theoretical provisions but also to reinforce the algorithms of action for commission members.
Following the course, participants completed a feedback questionnaire, and upon completion of the training, they received electronic certificates.
The training course continues the Central Election Commission’s systematic work to improve the qualifications of election commission members at all levels and is aimed at strengthening the practical skills necessary for the effective organization of the electoral process.
On 9-10 June 2026, the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of Measures for Organizing Training for Participants of the Electoral Process for 2026, held a republican training online seminar on the topic “Practical Aspects of Organizing and Conducting the Electoral Process.”
The event was held at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan and brought together 160 members of territorial election commissions who perform their duties on a permanent professional basis.
The seminar programme was aimed at improving the practical skills and enhancing the legal competence of election organizers. During the training, participants considered current issues related to the organization and conduct of election campaigns.
The participants familiarized themselves with the latest amendments and new provisions of the electoral legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also examined the practice of handling citizens’ appeals within the framework of the electoral process.
In addition, special attention was paid to issues related to voter information, election campaigning, and national observation. The relevant thematic blocks, which included practical case analysis, were delivered by representatives of the Central Election Commission.The sessions were held in an interactive format using the case-study method: participants worked in small groups, discussed real-life situations, and jointly developed practical solutions.
The second day of the seminar was fully devoted to the practical training session “Communication under Stress: Negotiations and Conflict Resolution in the Electoral Process.” During the sessions, participants mastered effective communication tools. The practical part included the analysis of video cases and role-playing exercises.
Following the two-day course, participants completed a feedback questionnaire and received electronic certificates confirming their successful completion of the training.
The programme was implemented according to the cascade training principle: members of territorial election commissions who completed the seminar will subsequently conduct similar training activities in their respective regions. This approach contributes to the dissemination of the knowledge gained and ensures a unified standard of professional training, competence, and legal culture at all levels of the electoral system.
A delegation of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, headed by CEC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov, took part in the international observation mission for the elections of deputies to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.
The observation mission also included Azamat Aimanakumov and Lazzat Suyindik, members of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan; Alexander Malashko, Chairman of the Kostanay Regional Election Commission; and representatives of the Engineering and Technical Center of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Upon their arrival in Armenia, international observers were briefed on the preparatory measures undertaken and the key aspects of organizing and conducting the parliamentary elections.
A bilateral meeting was held with the Chairman of the Central Electoral Commission of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Hovakimyan. During the meeting, he provided an overview of the electoral campaign, the technological solutions employed, and the measures implemented to ensure the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
The parties reaffirmed their interest in further strengthening professional cooperation and exchanging practical experience on matters related to the organization and conduct of elections.
On election day, representatives of the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan visited polling stations No. 9/11, 9/12, 9/19, 9/28, 9/29, 9/35, 9/36, 9/41, 9/43, 9/44, 9/46, 9/49, 9/50, and 9/60 in Yerevan, where they familiarized themselves with the work of the election commissions and the conditions provided for voters. The delegation also observed the procedures for the closing of polling stations and the counting of ballots.
To ensure the effective exercise of electoral rights by voters with visual impairments, Braille ballot templates were made available at polling stations.
Information on the progress of voting and the preliminary election results was accessible in real time through the Information Center of the Central Electoral Commission of Armenia.
Following the observation mission, Nurlan Abdirov noted the high level of organization of the elections to the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the observance of procedures established by national legislation. He also highlighted the use of voter identification technologies during the electoral process.
During meetings with delegations from the election management bodies of Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Estonia, Nurlan Abdirov informed his counterparts about the results of the recent national referendum held in Kazakhstan, the key provisions of the new Constitution, and measures aimed at the further improvement of electoral legislation.
The Chairman of the Central Election Commission also invited his colleagues to participate as international observers in the upcoming elections of deputies to the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Background Information
The Republic of Armenia is a parliamentary republic. The National Assembly is the country's unicameral parliament, whose members are elected for a five-year term under a proportional electoral system.
To gain representation in parliament, a political party must receive at least 4 percent of the vote. Electoral alliances consisting of two parties are subject to an 8 percent threshold, while alliances of three or more parties must obtain at least 10 percent of the vote to enter parliament.
On May 28-29 of this year, the Central Election Commission, at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, held a two-day republican seminar titled “Information and Legal Support of the Electoral Process” for members of election commissions responsible for information and legal areas of activity.
At the opening of the seminar, Secretary of the Central Election Commission Shavkhat Utemisov noted that specialists responsible for the legal and informational support of the electoral process operate in an area of heightened responsibility. According to him, electoral campaigns require not only deep knowledge of legislation, but also the ability to respond promptly to various non-standard situations, work in a public environment, and build effective communication with society. He emphasized that systematic training and the exchange of regional experience contribute to the development of unified professional approaches and improve the quality of organizing electoral processes.
During the first day of the program, CEC member Azamat Aimanakumov presented a detailed analysis of the past regional campaigns, emphasizing the need to observe unified approaches to organizing procedures. CEC member Assel Zhanabilova briefed the participants on current amendments and new developments in electoral legislation.
Following the division of participants into groups, the work continued in two thematic areas. The first group focused on issues of interaction with the media and public communications. The second group discussed the practice of considering appeals under the Constitutional Law “On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan” and the Administrative Procedural Code.
In addition, invited experts, together with participants from both areas, reviewed the most relevant topics in the informational and legal activities of election commissions.
The second day of the seminar began with testing for the participants.
Then, as part of the traditional session on the exchange of regional experience, Chairman of the TEC of North Kazakhstan Region Askar Sakipkereyev presented the practices and developments of his region in organizing the electoral process.
The work then continued in two parallel groups. In the first group, a practical analysis of cases was conducted based on the regional experience of the election commissions of North Kazakhstan Region. Representatives of the TEC of North Kazakhstan Region, Svetlana Kopnina and Larisa Gordeyeva, reviewed specific situations, including issues related to interaction with participants in the electoral process on election day.
In the second group, communication trainer and expert Ruslan Tokatov worked through communication strategies.
After the seminar concluded, the participants completed feedback forms and received electronic certificates.
The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan hosted the first online meeting of the Working Group on the Impact of Deepfakes on the Electoral Process, held within the framework of the Advisory Platform of Central Election Authorities of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the election authorities of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, as well as representatives of relevant government agencies and expert organizations of Kazakhstan.
Opening the event, Lyazzat Suyindik, Member of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Chair of the Working Group, emphasized the growing importance of information risks for electoral processes:
“Amid the development of artificial intelligence, disinformation is becoming a factor of electoral security. The key task is not only to identify it, but also to reduce its impact in a timely manner, while ensuring citizens’ access to reliable information and effective response mechanisms.”
The participants reviewed approaches applied globally - ranging from establishing standards of good-faith conduct for campaign participants to mandatory labelling of synthetic content and restrictions on the most dangerous forms of interference in the information environment. It was emphasized that the greatest effectiveness is achieved through a comprehensive combination of preventive and operational measures.
During the meeting, information was presented on the digitalization policy being implemented in Kazakhstan. It was underlined that the development of artificial intelligence is enshrined among the state’s strategic priorities, including in the provisions of the new Constitution adopted at the national referendum on 15 March 2026. Particular attention is being paid to the protection of personal data, citizens’ digital rights, and the formation of a resilient institutional system for managing digital transformation.
A separate section was devoted to practical measures to counter disinformation. Ruslan Bekarslanov, Head of the Information and Coordination Center of the Central Communications Service under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented practical experience in responding to information manipulation during the national referendum.
Mikhail Komissarov, Director of the Republican State Enterprise “Center for Analysis and Monitoring”, delivered a report on tools for monitoring and identifying destructive content in the digital environment.
National approaches to countering disinformation and regulating the use of artificial intelligence in electoral processes were also presented.
Uzarbek Zhylkybayev, Member of the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of the Kyrgyz Republic, spoke about mechanisms for the pre-trial resolution of information disputes and the work of 74 civic education centers.
Yusuf Şafak, Director General of the Supreme Election Council of the Republic of Türkiye, noted the existence of an institutional group under the President and legislation aimed at countering disinformation.
Gulnoza Rakhimova, Permanent Member of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan, shared information on the rules governing the use of artificial intelligence in election campaigning.
Following the meeting, the parties confirmed their interest in further developing cooperation and coordinating efforts to counter disinformation in the electoral sphere. The work will be aimed at increasing the transparency of electoral processes, strengthening public trust, and developing coordinated approaches to ensuring information security.
For reference: The initiative to establish the Advisory Platform of Central Election Authorities of the OTS Member States was put forward by President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on 3 November 2023 at the 10th Summit in Astana. The proposal was supported by all Member States and reflected in the Bishkek Declaration of the 11th OTS Summit on 6 November 2024.
The first meeting of the Platform was held on 14 May 2025 in Turkestan. At the Working Meeting held on 28 November 2025 in Bishkek, a decision was adopted to establish the Working Group on the Impact of Deepfakes on the Electoral Process. Its tasks include monitoring and assessing risks, developing response mechanisms, and ensuring the prompt exchange of information among the election authorities of the OTS countries