International observers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have presented preliminary assessments of the republican referendum on the new Constitution of Kazakhstan. According to them, the vote was conducted openly and in accordance with national legislation and international standards.
SCO MISSION ASSESSMENT
International observers from the SCO presented preliminary assessments of the republican referendum on the new version of the Constitution, which took place on 15 March 2026.
The head of the SCO mission, Deputy Secretary General of the organisation Oleg Kopylov, reported that the mission consisted of 17 observers from 7 SCO member states. Following the monitoring, the observers stated that the referendum was conducted in accordance with Kazakhstan's legislation and the country's international obligations.
According to them, no violations capable of affecting the legitimacy of the vote were identified. The observers also noted that holding the referendum was an important step in the development of democratic processes in the country.
WHAT THE OTC OBSERVERS REPORTED
The mission of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) monitored the voting at 31 polling stations in Astana.
As reported by the Deputy Secretary General of the organisation Ömer Kocaman, the observers recorded no interference by administrative or law enforcement bodies in the work of the polling stations.
According to him, citizens came to vote voluntarily, and conditions for the work of international and local observers were fully ensured.
"The mission did not identify any significant violations or inconsistencies. People with disabilities were also able to exercise their constitutional rights," stated Ömer Kocaman.
OIC ASSESSMENT
At a press conference at the Centre for Assistance to International Observers, the Director for Asia of the OIC General Secretariat, Imran Sadykhov, also presented preliminary assessments of the referendum.
According to him, the preliminary results of the vote reflect the broad participation of citizens and the active involvement of society in shaping the constitutional future of the country.
"The preliminary results of the referendum reflect the broad participation of citizens, highlighting the active involvement of the people of Kazakhstan in shaping the constitutional future of their country. The General Secretariat highly commends the peaceful and orderly conduct of the referendum and expresses its appreciation to the authorities of Kazakhstan for facilitating the work of international observers," stated Imran Sadykhov.
He noted that the OIC General Secretariat congratulates the leadership and people of Kazakhstan on the successful conduct of the referendum and reaffirms its support for efforts aimed at strengthening constitutional institutions, promoting stability and sustainable development of the country.
Recall that the republican referendum on adopting a new version of the Constitution of Kazakhstan took place on 15 March 2026. According to preliminary data from the Central Referendum Commission, 87.15% of participants in the vote supported the changes to the Fundamental Law, with a turnout of 73.12%. After the release of the exit poll results, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that 15 March would be celebrated annually as Kazakhstan Constitution Day.
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE MISSIONS
Following their observation, the international missions concluded that the referendum in Kazakhstan was conducted openly, transparently, and in accordance with national legislation and international standards.