A Meeting with the International Observer Mission of the Organization of Turkic States Held at the Foreign Ministry of Kazakhstan

Astana, October 4, 2024 – A meeting of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko with the international observer mission of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held, which was devoted to preparations for the national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.

During the discussion, the Deputy Minister underscored the importance of the political reforms implemented in Kazakhstan over the past few years. He pointed out that the upcoming referendum on the nuclear power plant represents a critical step towards greater public involvement in key decision-making processes, aligned with the principles of a “Hearing State”.

The OTS observers were briefed on Kazakhstan’s electoral reforms, including the introduction of quotas for women, youth, and people with disabilities, the direct election of rural district akims (mayors), the lowering of the electoral threshold for political parties, and the ability for voters to choose a “vote against all” option.

In closing, Vassilenko thanked the OTS mission members for their valuable work, noting that their independent evaluation and monitoring of the referendum process would be essential in ensuring its transparency and fairness.

He extended his best wishes to the mission and expressed hope for continued cooperation with the Organization in building a stronger, more unified future.