MINSK, 13 March (BelTA) – Belarus’ Central Election Commission (CEC) is observing the referendum in the Republic of Kazakhstan, BelTA learned from the CEC.
CEC member Olga Doroshenko and Deputy Head of the CEC legal department Alesya Urbanovich will conduct observation in Astana as well as in nearby cities.
Belarusian observers in Kazakhstan have already met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus Aleksei Bogdanov. During the meeting, special attention was given to the development of bilateral economic relations between Belarus and Kazakhstan. The participants reviewed the current state of trade and economic cooperation and integration initiatives involving both countries. The ambassador informed the CEC representatives about key aspects of Belarus-Kazakhstan cooperation relevant to the observers’ work, including the upcoming constitutional referendum.
At the referendum scheduled for 15 March, citizens of Kazakhstan will decide whether to approve the draft of a new constitution. The proposed amendments could significantly transform the country’s political system. For example, instead of the current bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate and the Mazhilis,it is proposed to establish a unicameral Kurultai (State Assembly). It would include 145 deputies elected proportionally from party lists.
Among other key proposed changes is the introduction of the position of Vice President of Kazakhstan, appointed by the president with the consent of the Kurultai.
A new highest consultative body, the People’s Council of Kazakhstan, is also expected to be created. It would include representatives of ethnocultural associations, public organizations, regional legislative bodies, and civic councils.
In addition, any constitutional amendments and additions would be required to be submitted to a nationwide referendum.
The referendum register includes 12.4 million people. They will be able to vote from 7:00 to 20:00 at 10,411 polling stations across Kazakhstan. Another 80 polling stations will be open in 62 foreign countries. In Belarus, Kazakh citizens will be able to vote in Minsk and Brest.
Participants in the referendum may also vote at their place of stay. To do so, they must obtain an absentee certificate from their local precinct commission no later than 18:00 on the day before the referendum.
CEC member Olga Doroshenko and Deputy Head of the CEC legal department Alesya Urbanovich will conduct observation in Astana as well as in nearby cities.
Belarusian observers in Kazakhstan have already met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus Aleksei Bogdanov. During the meeting, special attention was given to the development of bilateral economic relations between Belarus and Kazakhstan. The participants reviewed the current state of trade and economic cooperation and integration initiatives involving both countries. The ambassador informed the CEC representatives about key aspects of Belarus-Kazakhstan cooperation relevant to the observers’ work, including the upcoming constitutional referendum.
At the referendum scheduled for 15 March, citizens of Kazakhstan will decide whether to approve the draft of a new constitution. The proposed amendments could significantly transform the country’s political system. For example, instead of the current bicameral parliament, consisting of the Senate and the Mazhilis,it is proposed to establish a unicameral Kurultai (State Assembly). It would include 145 deputies elected proportionally from party lists.
Among other key proposed changes is the introduction of the position of Vice President of Kazakhstan, appointed by the president with the consent of the Kurultai.
A new highest consultative body, the People’s Council of Kazakhstan, is also expected to be created. It would include representatives of ethnocultural associations, public organizations, regional legislative bodies, and civic councils.
In addition, any constitutional amendments and additions would be required to be submitted to a nationwide referendum.
The referendum register includes 12.4 million people. They will be able to vote from 7:00 to 20:00 at 10,411 polling stations across Kazakhstan. Another 80 polling stations will be open in 62 foreign countries. In Belarus, Kazakh citizens will be able to vote in Minsk and Brest.
Participants in the referendum may also vote at their place of stay. To do so, they must obtain an absentee certificate from their local precinct commission no later than 18:00 on the day before the referendum.
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