Kazakhstan Shares Election Reforms at Global Forum in India

A delegation of Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission, led by Chairman Nurlan Abdirov, is taking part in the India International Conference on Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi.

The conference is jointly organized by the Election Commission of India and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), which holds permanent observer status at the UN and partners with the EU on a range of democracy-support projects, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Nurlan Abdirov addressed a plenary session of election officials and participated in the Global Thematic Session titled Independent and Professional Election Management Bodies for Sustainable Democracy. Speaking to representatives from 43 countries, the CEC chairman delivered a report on Reform of the Electoral System in Kazakhstan: Professionalization of Electoral Authorities. His presentation focused on the transformation of Kazakhstan’s electoral system following the 2022 constitutional reform initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Abdirov noted that Kazakhstan has modernized both its electoral framework and the procedures for forming representative bodies of power, with the renewal of the corps of rural akims (governors) emerging as a key milestone in this process.

During meetings with heads of electoral bodies from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the CEC chairman also outlined the core ideas from the president’s address at the fifth Ulltyq Qurultay. International participants were briefed on priorities for the further evolution of Kazakhstan’s political system, including plans to transition to a unicameral parliament and strengthen state institutions. Particular interest was shown in the decision to establish a Constitutional Commission and submit proposed amendments to the Constitution to a nationwide referendum.

Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Kyzylorda hosted the fifth session of the Ulltyq Qurultay with the participation of President Tokayev. The discussions brought together prominent public figures, representatives of political parties, civil society, business leaders, experts, and members of regional public councils, underscoring the inclusive nature of the reform agenda.