Kazakhstan, Referendum, 15 March 2026

Following an official invitation from the authorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan to observe the referendum scheduled for 15 March 2026, based on the findings and conclusions of the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) conducted between 17and 20 February, and in accordance with its mandate, ODIHR has deployed a Referendum Assessment Mission (RAM) for this referendum.

The mission will assess whether the referendum is held in line with OSCE commitments and other international obligations and standards for democratic elections, as well as with national legislation. 

The ODIHR RAM will closely examine components of the referendum identified as meriting attention by the ODIHR NAM, specifically: 

▪ legal framework
▪ administration of the referendum
▪ respect for fundamental freedoms
▪ voter education
▪ conduct of the campaign
▪ media environment and media coverage of the referendum
▪ respect of the rights of persons with disabilities and national minorities in the preparation and conduct of the referendum

The mission will visit a limited number of polling stations on referendum day and systematic observation of voting, counting or tabulation of results on referendum day is not envisaged.

A final report on the observation, including potential recommendations, will be published approximately somemonths after the end of the referendum process.

Previous observation activities

ODIHR has previously observed 14 elections and a referendum in the country, most recently the 2023 early parliamentary elections.