Tengrinews.kz — The government has allocated funds from its reserve for the Kurultai elections. Central Election Commission (CEC) member Mikhail Bortnik announced this during a CEC meeting.
Funding allocation
According to Mikhail Bortnik, the government has allocated 34.4 billion tenge.
"By government decision, 34.3 billion tenge has been allocated from the state reserve for the organization and conduct of the Kurultai deputy elections, scheduled for August 23. These funds were released from the reserve because the budget was passed last year, and we could not have planned the election budget in advance," Bortnik said.
Budget breakdown
Bortnik stated that the funds will cover election organization both domestically and abroad. Approximately one-quarter of the total expenditure—8.5 billion tenge—is designated for the operation of election commissions.
Specifically, there are plans to open 47 new polling stations, which require full outfitting: the installation of ballot boxes, voting booths, and other necessary equipment.
A total of 10,674 polling stations will operate across the country, involving more than 70,000 personnel.
Additionally, the funds will be used for printing ballots, producing instructional materials and information posters for polling stations, providing media coverage for the election campaign, and covering communication and transportation costs.
An additional 124 million tenge will be allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to organize 80 polling stations in 61 countries.
Kurultai elections
On July 1, a new Constitution came into force in Kazakhstan. Concurrently, the Mazhilis and Senate ceased operations, and their deputies' terms ended. Under the new Constitution, a unicameral parliament—the Kurultai—will operate instead of the bicameral legislature.
Elections for deputies of the new legislative body are scheduled for August 23. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the corresponding decree. Seven political parties have been cleared to run.
Previously, the Central Election Commission approved the main stages of the election campaign for the Kurultai.