Kazakhstan: Statement by the Spokesperson on the outcome of parliamentary elections

The European Union takes note of the preliminary results of parliamentary elections held on 23 August 2026 in Kazakhstan.

In the past few months, Kazakhstan has undergone a major reform of its political system, with the adoption of a new Constitution by referendum in March 2026 and the introduction of a unicameral Parliament (Kurultai).

The EU acknowledges the efforts made by the Kazakh authorities to organise these elections in a well-prepared and orderly manner, despite the short time between calling the elections and their organisation, and welcomes the participation of political parties and citizens in the electoral process.

The EU takes note of OSCE/ODIHR preliminary conclusions emphasising that the elections took place under conditions of limited political and media pluralism and of a legal framework not aligned with international standards for democratic elections, including the limited possibility for public consultations. OSCE/ODIHR also reported procedural violations during election day, including as regards the vote count and the differences between observed voter activity and reported turnout.

The EU strongly encourages Kazakhstan to continue its work on democratic reforms, and reaffirms its commitment to supporting Kazakhstan's reform agenda, including in the areas of human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance. We stand ready to continue our cooperation with Kazakhstan to further strengthen our strategic partnership, based on shared values and mutual respect.