The election race begins - Prosecutor General's Office warned of fines for violations

Under the law, the state guarantees citizens and public associations the right to unimpeded election campaigning for or against any candidate or political party.

Campaigning is conducted through mass media and online platforms, via public campaign events, and through the distribution of campaign materials.

Broadcasting entities are prohibited from distributing campaign materials within news and analytical programs..

"Violation of this requirement entails liability under Part 1-1 of Article 112 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a fine of 50 MCI — 216,250 tenge in 2026)," the Prosecutor's Office warned.

Journalists and media editorial officials who are registered as candidates or their authorized representatives are not permitted to participate in election coverage through the media. This carries liability under Part 3 of Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a fine of 20 MCI — 86,500 tenge in 2026).

The media is required to provide objective coverage of the election campaigns of candidates and political parties without distorting the goals, objectives, or results of campaign events, nor the events and facts associated with them. Additionally, media outlets and online platform users must refrain from publishing campaign materials or other information known to be defamatory to the honor, dignity, or professional reputation of a candidate or political party..

"Non-compliance with these rules, as well as the refusal to grant these individuals the opportunity to publish a free rebuttal in defense of their honor, dignity, and professional reputation, entails liability under Parts 1 and 2 of Article 112 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (fines ranging from 20 to 50 MCI)," the supervisory body stated.

Candidates and political parties that have submitted party lists are guaranteed equal conditions for media access to conduct election campaigning.

A media outlet's consent to place campaign materials on a contractual basis for one political party automatically constitutes consent to place campaign materials for other political parties that have submitted party lists.

Failure by a media outlet to comply with this requirement results in liability under Parts 4 and 6 of Article 112 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (fines ranging from 20 to 50 MCI).

Media outlets and online platform users intending to provide contractual services for placing campaign materials were required to submit information on rates and placement terms to the Central Election Commission (CEC) no later than five days before the start of campaigning. Campaign materials may only be placed after the CEC publishes this information.

"Non-compliance with these requirements carries liability under Part 5 of Article 112 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (fines ranging from 30 to 50 MCI — from 129,750 to 216,250 tenge in 2026)," the Prosecutor General's Office reported.

Local executive bodies and local self-government bodies provide premises for meetings with voters to candidates on a contractual basis. Such premises must also be provided under uniform and equal conditions. Violations entail administrative liability under Article 123 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a fine of 30 MCI).

Campaign materials must include information about the organization that produced them (for printed materials, the place of printing and circulation), as well as the individuals who placed the order and the source of funding used for payment.

The following are prohibited: the production of campaign materials outside the territory of Kazakhstan, the distribution of anonymous campaign materials, and the use of campaign materials not produced for the current campaign.

These requirements apply to online platforms if their users have produced campaign materials on a contractual basis.

Violations entail administrative liability under Article 113 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a fine of 25 MCI — 108,125 tenge).

Intentional destruction or damage of campaign materials posted with the consent of the owner or occupant on buildings, structures, or other objects carries liability under Article 114 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (a fine of 15 MCI — 64,875 tenge).

"In light of the above, to ensure legality and public safety, prevent offenses, and protect human and civil rights and freedoms, the Prosecutor General's Office reiterates its call to all participants in the electoral process to strictly observe election legislation during the campaign period and refrain from unlawful actions," reads the statement signed by Deputy Prosecutor General Yerlan Utegenov.