Lithuanian observer commends inclusivity of Qurultay elections in Kazakhstan
The Consul General of the Republic of Lithuania in Almaty, Šarūnė Kubiliūtė, visited five polling stations and gave positive feedback on the voting process. The diplomat highlighted the conditions created for persons with disabilities, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Šarūnė Kubiliūtė said the polling stations she visited were well-equipped for voters and that the voting process ran smoothly.
"Together with colleagues, we visited five polling stations. Overall, I would say everything is good. I liked the atmosphere: people are coming, and they have every opportunity to express their will," Kubiliūtė noted.
The international observer paid special attention to the accessibility of the electoral process for persons with disabilities. According to her, the polling stations are equipped for voters with visual and hearing impairments.
"I was impressed that people who cannot see or hear also have every opportunity to vote. This is very important," she emphasized.
Responding to a journalist's question about the inclusive approach, the Consul General noted that equal access to voting is one of the essential international standards.
"Inclusive access is always one of the high standards of voting, because there should be the same approach for all people. I see that you have all of this, and it is commendable," Šarūnė Kubiliūtė said.
She also said she did not observe any restrictions or obstacles for voters during her visits. Citizens were able to freely come and make their own choice, she said.
The diplomat emphasized that she has international election observation experience. She had previously participated in similar missions in Moldova, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
"I am not observing elections for the first time; I have international experience. So far, what I have seen satisfies me. My impression is good," she said.
Šarūnė Kubiliūtė added that Kazakhstan's democratic development is important not only for the country's citizens but also for international cooperation.
As reported earlier, in Kazakhstan, voting in the elections to the Qurultay concluded at 8:00 p.m.
Kazakhstan's first-ever elections for deputies of the country's new unicameral Qurultay began on August 23.
Kazakhstanis are voting for one of seven political parties participating in the elections. Following the vote, seats in the Qurultay will be distributed among the parties that surpass the legally established threshold.
145 deputies are to be elected for a five-year term. More than 12.6 million citizens were registered to vote.
