Who stands behind transparency
Trust in the result is the key question of any vote. Here is who monitors the process:
- Parties – each registered party sends an observer to every polling station
- NGOs – accredited civil society organisations
- Media – journalists with accreditation
- International missions – OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS, the Turkic Council
- Foreign observers – from more than 30 countries
What observers see
The entire process – from the opening of the station to the counting of the last ballot:
- Opening of ballot boxes – are they empty?
- The voting process – is secrecy of the ballot maintained?
- Counting of ballots – in full view of observers
- Drawing up the protocol – the key document
The protocol – the main guarantee
The count protocol:
- Is signed by all members of the precinct commission
- A copy is given to each observer – this is a legally binding document
- Data are transmitted to the higher commission
- If the final figures diverge from the precinct protocol – that is grounds for verification
What to do if there is a violation
- The observer files a complaint with the precinct commission on the spot
- The complaint is recorded in an act
- The result can be challenged in court
- International missions publish a report with their assessment – this affects Kazakhstan's international reputation