Kazakhstan plans to allocate approximately $41.8 million for the upcoming referendum on constitutional amendments.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Mikhail Bortnik, a member of the Central Referendum Commission, disclosed the budgetary details regarding the nationwide vote.
Bortnik noted that the vast majority of the funds, approximately 75%, will be directed toward the salaries of election commission employees at all levels.
"A portion of the funds will also be allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan to organize and conduct voting at polling stations located abroad,"he added.
The commission member further emphasized that there is no intention to seek additional funding, noting that certain cost-saving measures have already been implemented. While the initial budget estimate for the referendum was higher, actual expenditures may decrease following the conclusion of the voting process.
The referendum is scheduled to take place on March 15. More than 10,000 polling stations will be established across Kazakhstan and in foreign countries to facilitate the process. Over 12.4 million Kazakh citizens are eligible to participate in the vote, which aims to implement significant legislative changes in the Central Asian nation.
Constitutional referendums in Kazakhstan serve as a primary mechanism for political reform, often addressing the balance of power between government branches and enhancing democratic participation. This upcoming vote follows a series of modernization efforts within the country intended to strengthen institutional frameworks and public administration.
