OSCE supports workshop for long-term election observers in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 21 November 2014 – A workshop for long-term election observers, co-organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the Central Election Commission of Kazakhstan and with the support of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), took place in Astana today.

The event brought together some 50 government officials and representatives of non-governmental organizations who have served or may serve as election observers in Kazakhstan and abroad. The workshop aimed to enhance participants’ knowledge of the rights and obligations of long-term election observers by drawing on key OSCE/ODIHR tools related to election observation, as well as on national legislation. Participants also had the opportunity to share their experience of election observation missions with an international expert.

During the event, the Centre presented to the participants a Kazakh-language version of the ODIHR Election Observation Handbook that was translated and published with the Centre’s support.

“The goal of the seminars that we have been conducting annually since 2006 is to train local and international observers, exchange experience and information as well as discuss various challenges during the election monitoring process. This year’s topic focusing on long-term observation aims to enhance the level of public trust in the election process and its results,” said Vladimir Foos, Deputy Chair of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “What distinguishes long-term observation is that it covers not just the voting procedure on election day but the entire process of preparing and conducting an election”, he added.

Radivoje Grujic, OSCE/ODIHR Election Adviser, said: “The presence of both international and citizen observers can enhance the transparency and accountability of the election process and build public trust in it. The OSCE/ODIHR is ready to assist Kazakhstan’s authorities in their efforts to further improve electoral processes in line with their OSCE commitments.”

The event is part of the OSCE’s efforts to contribute to national training for international election observers. Similar workshops have been organized every year for observers in Kazakhstan since 2006.