CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan – 30 years: the history of elections – the history of the country

The International scientific and practical conference "Constitutional Reform and the electoral system", dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, was held in Astana.

The beginning of the form

The event was attended by representatives of the central election authorities of 16 countries and 6 international organizations, including the World Association of Electoral Authorities, the OSCE, the CIS Executive Committee, the Interparliamentary Union, the Organization of Turkic States, the IPA CIS Council, as well as heads of government agencies, deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, members of the Expert Council at the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Working Group on Ensuring Electoral Rights persons with disabilities, territorial election commissions, representatives of political parties, scientific, educational, public organizations, mass media.

Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev sent greetings to the participants of the conference. It was read out by Presidential Adviser Ernar Baspayev at the opening of the event.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted that over the years of independence, the country's electoral bodies have gone a long way in evolutionary development, making a significant contribution to the formation of key institutions of state power. All this time, they remain committed to high international standards in the field of electoral law, maintain productive cooperation with international partners, and build an open dialogue with society. For example, based on the best foreign experience, measures have been taken to professionalize territorial commissions, formalize the status and improve the working conditions of their members.

"In the context of comprehensive reforms, Kazakhstan is aimed at continuous improvement of electoral legislation. This complex and multifaceted process, of course, requires close cooperation with the expert community," the Head of State emphasized.

Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Maulen Ashimbayev and Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Koshanov also sent welcome letters to the participants of the event.

Addressing the participants of the conference, the head of the delegation of the CIS Executive Committee, First Deputy Secretary General of the CIS Leonid Anfimov, noted that Kazakhstan has formed an electoral system that meets international standards, which gives every citizen of the country the right to express their will, to elect and be elected, thus participating in government.

"The Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan has truly become one of the flagships in electoral activities in the Commonwealth of Independent States," he stressed.

Honorary President of the Interparliamentary Union Duarte Pasheco stressed that the constitutional reform of the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, supported by the people in the 2022 referendum, is confirmation that the country is increasing interest in democratic principles and improving the electoral system.

Video greetings from Secretary General of the World Association of Electoral Authorities In Sik Jang, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev and Secretary General of the Council of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Dmitry Kobitsky were shown during the conference.

The exhibition on the history of elections, covering all periods of development of the electoral system of Kazakhstan over the past 30 years, aroused great interest. The materials of the exposition presented during the conference reflected the key elements of constitutional reform, updating of electoral legislation, and also focused on the strategic foundations of further development of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Within the framework of the conference, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov signed memoranda of understanding with Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan Zainiddin Nizamkhodjayev, Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Hovakimyan, Chairman of the Supreme Electoral Council of the Republic of Turkey Ahmet Yener. The signing of the documents will strengthen further cooperation between the countries in the development of electoral systems and processes.

Two thematic sessions were held within the framework of the conference: "The evolution of electoral legislation in the context of constitutional reform" and "Current trends in the development of electoral systems." The speakers and participants discussed the challenges facing modern electoral systems of states, exchanged experiences on electronic voting and other modern electoral technologies.

Foreign colleagues gave a positive assessment to the political reforms of Kazakhstan initiated by the Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Speaking at the first session, Nurlan Abdirov noted that the Central Election Commission became the first special body in the field of electoral process management at the national level, heading a unified system of electoral structures. Since its foundation, the CEC has been inextricably linked with the history of the formation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, directly participating in the formation of legitimate institutions of state power.

Being an active member of many reputable international organizations, Kazakhstan adheres to all its obligations to conduct free and competitive elections. All election campaigns in our country are conducted in accordance with national legislation and generally recognized principles of democratic elections contained in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Document of the OSCE Copenhagen Meeting.

– Fundamental innovations in electoral legislation directly related to the constitutional reform of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, popularly supported at the republican referendum on June 5, 2022, became the starting point for a new era of public relations, changing the entire configuration of the political system and having a transformational impact on the electoral space. The focus is on expanding the participation of citizens in government through electoral processes," the head of the Central Election Commission stressed.

He also focused on the strategic prospects for the further development of the commission and the definition of its elements such as vision, mission, values, principles, goals, priorities.

– All these elements follow from the mandate of the commission, defined by the Constitutional Law "On Elections": the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the state electoral body for the preparation and conduct of referendums and elections, – Nurlan Abdirov added.

The Chairman of the Supreme Electoral Council of Turkey, Ahmet Yener, spoke about the best practices in the field of elections using the example of Turkey. He also recalled that at the 10th OTG summit, held on November 3, 2023 in Astana, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Turkic states in the electoral sphere and proposed the creation of an Advisory Council of the central electoral authorities of the organization's member countries.

"He expressed confidence that this initiative will be implemented and will undoubtedly bring our collective commitment to strengthening democratic governance to a practical level,– said Ahmet Yener.

Chairman of the CEC of Georgia Giorgi Kalandarishvili stressed the relevance of the conference organized by the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the topics discussed within its framework. He spoke about the experience of developing the electoral system of his country and modern challenges.

The speaker spoke separately about the processes taking place in Kazakhstan. In his opinion, the referendum held last year and the changes made to the Constitution, thanks to which the democratic development of Kazakhstan moved to new tracks, became a good experience.

– The national electoral system of Kazakhstan has come a long way in 30 years, and this process is inextricably linked with the development, strengthening of statehood and democratic foundations, ensuring the constitutional rights of citizens. Holding democratic elections, solving important state tasks, and the future of your country largely depend on the competence, professionalism and responsibility of the CEC members," Chairman of the CEC of Uzbekistan Zainiddin Nizamkhodjaev stressed in turn.

During the session, Nurzhan Shaildabekova, Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums of Kyrgyzstan, shared her vision of the development of the electoral system. She stressed that the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan has come a long way in 30 years.

– Today we are all witnesses to the fact that the body is a stable state institution that adequately implements its mission, the electoral rights of citizens, creating a favorable environment, constantly improving both law and practice. The CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan is an active participant in all changes in the legal plan. And we in Kyrgyzstan are looking at effective solutions introduced into the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan," she stressed.

Minister of Justice of the Republic of Kazakhstan Azamat Eskaraev, Vice Minister of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Daniyar Kadirov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Roman Vasilenko, Vice Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan Asset Turysov, Deputy Chairman of the CEC of Belarus Vadim Ipatov, Secretary of the CEC of Moldova Alexander Berlinsky, member of the CEC of the Russian Federation made presentations at the sessions Konstantin Mazurevsky, member of the Central Election Commission of Jordan Raed Al Advan, specially invited OSCE expert David Duenas-Sid, member of the National Election Committee of Estonia Dilayla Nahkur-Tammiksaar, Zhanar Bukanova, Head of the Center for Electoral Training at the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Video statements were sent by Chairman of the CEC of the Russian Federation Ella Pamfilova, Chairman of the National Election Commission of Hungary Attila Nagy, Chairman of the Republican Election Commission of Serbia Vladimir Dimitrievich, Chairman of the CEC of India Rajiv Kumar, Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan Gulmurat Muradov. Ivan Musket, Director of the International Institute for Monitoring the Development of Democracy of the IPA CIS, spoke online.

During the second day of the conference, employees of the Ministry of Digital Development and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan held a presentation of the concept and functionality of the "digital government" for foreign guests, demonstrated its work, and talked about the transformation of the digital ecosystem in the country.

Scientific publications on electoral topics published on the initiative of the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan aroused great interest and appreciation of foreign guests.

Thus, Serik Seidumanov, Director General of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented the monograph "The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan – 30 years. Transformation of the electoral system of the Republic of Kazakhstan". This work analyzes the creation and functioning of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the modernization of the country's electoral system and the impact of elections on the democratization of Kazakhstani society.

Serik Seidumanov explained that the monograph reflects not only certain aspects of political processes, but also presents a conceptual view of the evolution of the electoral system over the past three decades. Its scientific significance lies in the analysis and interpretation of the transformations experienced by the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which plays a key role in organizing democratic electoral processes in our country. According to the author, this research is intended to expand the understanding of political dynamics and contribute to the formation of effective strategies for the future.

A commentary on the Constitutional Law "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan", prepared by a group of legal scholars under the leadership of Doctor of Law, Professor Marat Kogamov, was also presented. The publication was first published in Kazakh and Russian languages.

The team of authors includes prominent Kazakhstani legal scientists, doctors of law, professors.

Marat Kogamov emphasized that this is a completely new scientific and practical publication. It provides a detailed explanation of the norms of 133 articles of all 15 chapters of the Constitutional Law "On Elections", which are filled with new legal ideas in the context of the constitutional reform initiated by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As an integral appendix to it, a glossary should be considered, which defines 60 basic concepts used in the Constitutional Law.

Saule Kozubayeva, Head of the Electoral Process Organization Department of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented a new information collection on elections and referendums held from 2012 to 2023.

This publication also includes innovations in the electoral legislation in 2018 and 2022, information on the elections of deputies of maslikhats instead of retired, rural mayors, direct pilot elections of mayors of districts and cities of regional significance.

Another important event of the conference was the presentation of an online dictionary of electoral terms, which is now available on the CEC website: www.election.gov.kz .

Emphasizing the importance of this project, Professor Indira Aubakirova drew attention to the fact that the correct understanding of the terminology depends on the correct understanding of the processes they describe. And this is especially important when it comes to processes such as elections. She expressed hope that the online dictionary will become another source of development of electoral culture.

The dictionary will be constantly updated and supplemented with new terms and concepts.

Summing up the results of the two-day scientific and practical conference, Chairman of the CEC of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nurlan Abdirov noted that, looking back at the information-rich days of the event, one can state the presence of a wide variety of electoral practices, technologies and systems used in the world. Despite the fact that universal principles underlie the institution of electoral law, they provide sovereign states with a sufficient corridor to create their own electoral model, based on their own constitutional identity and current stages of social development.

To find an answer to the question of what the electoral systems of Kazakhstan and other countries will be like in the future, it is extremely important to have a professional dialogue with like-minded people, a constructive exchange of views with colleagues and experts through the expansion of international cooperation. And this trend will definitely get its further development.