The SCO Secretary General noted the high turnout of voters for the referendum in Kazakhstan

Referendum on amendments to the constitution of KazakhstanNUR-SULTAN, June 5Zhang Ming, Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), said that a high voter turnout can be noted at the referendum on changing the constitution in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstanis on Sunday vote on amending the country's constitution, aimed at reducing presidential powers, strengthening other branches of power and increasing the role of citizens in the process of government. The Central Election Commission reported that 11,722,536 people have the right to vote in the referendum. «During a conversation with voters, we (representatives of the SCO monitoring group -ed.) were impressed by the enthusiasm and active attitude towards the referendum. We can note a high turnout,» Zhang said Ming during a conversation with reporters at a briefing on the holding of a referendum in Kazakhstan. According to him, «the voting process is orderly and calm.» In addition, according to the SCO Secretary General, representatives of the organization «did not receive complaints about violations.» journalists, Zhang Ming thanked the employees of the election commissions for their professionalism. «I would like to especially note that on the spot we met with the members of the commission and work,» he concluded.The referendum is just the beginning of a lot of work, Tokayev saidPresident of Kazakhstan Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev said earlier that the coup attempt in January 2022 confirmed the need for an early political modernization of the country, in connection with which amendments to the basic law were submitted to a referendum. The amendments are designed to consolidate the final transition from a «super-presidential» form of government to a presidential republic with an influential parliament and an accountable government. To this end, the amendments reduce the excessive concentration of presidential powers. In particular, the participation of the head of state in the formation of the upper house of parliament is reduced, his influence on local representative and executive bodies is limited. voting of compatriots abroadIn addition, a ban is established on the membership of the head of state in political parties for the period of the presidency. Similar requirements will apply to chairmen and members of the CEC, the counting committee, heads of regions and their deputies. The amendments also prohibit close relatives of the head of state from occupying leadership positions in state and quasi-state structures. A number of amendments are aimed at respecting the rights and freedoms of citizens, including the creation of a constitutional court, the consolidation of the status of an ombudsman at the constitutional level and an unconditional ban on the death penalty. In addition, the updated constitution will exclude mention of the status, powers and privileges of the country's first president.