Qurultay elections mark key step in implementing new Constitution, says Italian observer
The first elections to Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Qurultay were well organized and mark an important step in implementing the country’s new Constitution, Domenico Palmieri, Secretary General of the Italian Institute for Asia (ISIA), said during a briefing at the Center for Assistance to International Observers in Astana, a Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.
Palmieri, who observed the voting process at two polling stations, said the elections were technically well prepared and noted the positive atmosphere at polling stations.
“From the technical point of view, everything was perfect this morning. Unfortunately, I saw only two polling stations, but everything was as usual. People's willingness to express their votes and happiness, music, everything was perfect,” he said.
He described August 23 as one of the most important days for the Kazakh people, noting that the elections represent the first step in implementing the new Constitution, which entered into force on July 1, 2026.
The Italian observer also welcomed Kazakhstan’s transition to a unicameral parliament, saying the new system could facilitate political changes.
“From my point of view, from the Western point of view, the changes in the Constitution are going in the right direction. To work with a unicameral chamber with 145 parliamentarians is, for me, easier to establish the political changes that the Kazakh people would like to make,” he said.
Palmieri also highlighted Italy’s interest in Kazakhstan, describing the country as one of Italy’s most important partners in Central Asia.
“As Italians, we see Kazakhstan as, I think, the most important partner among the Central Asian countries. And along with me, there are five Italian parliamentarians as observers in the Almaty region right now. So it shows the interest and the attention of Italy to the Kazakh nation,” he said.
Looking ahead, Palmieri said the significance of the elections would depend on how the new deputies and government implement the changes outlined in the new Constitution.
“The future starts, I think, tomorrow with the winners, with the new deputies. And, of course, all the signs of change that the new Constitution expressed must be implemented, as I say, with boots on the ground,” he said.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that Osman Mesten, Head of the TURKPA Observer Mission and Chairman of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, praised the organization and conduct of Kazakhstan's Qurultay elections.
