Who Monitors the Integrity of the Vote

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