Mustafa Kapucu’s Assessment of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Elections

Mustafa Kapucu’s Assessment of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Elections

Mustafa Kapucu
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Kazakhstan

This represents a historic change of national significance for the country. We believe that this transformation reflects the will and expectations of the people.

BRUXELLES KORNER / KADIR DURAN

Mustafa Kapucu’s Assessment of Kazakhstan’s Kurultai Elections

Mustafa Kapucu
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Kazakhstan

“This represents a historic change of national significance for the country. We believe that this transformation reflects the will and expectations of the people.

As is well known, the concept of the ‘Kurultai’ is deeply rooted in the shared history and traditions of the Turkic states. It embodies consultation, collective wisdom and the joint consideration of matters of state. We find it highly meaningful that this historic concept has been chosen as the name of a modern state institution.

Today’s elections are historically significant because they are the first elections to the unicameral Kurultai, established under Kazakhstan’s new constitutional and institutional framework. As international observers, we also had the opportunity to monitor these elections on the ground.

At the polling stations we visited, we observed that voting was proceeding in an orderly, calm and peaceful atmosphere. We were pleased to see that election officials had made the necessary preparations and that Kazakh citizens were provided with the conditions required to exercise their democratic rights.

The presence of observers from numerous countries and international organisations is also important in terms of the openness and transparency of the process. We understand that, once the electoral process has been completed, the observer delegations will present their respective assessments to the public.

A total of 45 observers from Türkiye, representing six separate delegations, are also monitoring the elections. They include the chairman and members of Türkiye’s Supreme Election Council, as well as academics. The initial impressions we have received from them indicate that the electoral process is being conducted in a highly orderly manner.

Regarding voter turnout, participation was relatively low at the polling stations we visited early in the morning. However, we observed that turnout increased as the day progressed. According to official announcements, turnout had exceeded 59% by 3 p.m. This is a comparatively high figure when measured against previous elections. We hope that voter participation will continue throughout the day.

I hope these elections will bring positive results for the friendly and brotherly people of Kazakhstan. I wish every success to all the officials and observers involved in the electoral process.”