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Kazakhstan's Prosecutor General's Office has clarified the regulations surrounding public opinion research concerning the upcoming national referendum. The office emphasized that any such research must strictly adhere to the requirements outlined in the Constitutional Law "On Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan." This clarification comes as two individuals and one legal entity have already faced administrative penalties for violations.

Strict Rules for Poll Publication

When publishing the results of public opinion polls related to elections or referendums، media outlets and online platforms are legally obligated to disclose crucial details. These include the name of the legal entity that conducted the poll، who commissioned and paid for it، the timeframe of the research، the data collection methodology، the precise wording of the questions asked، the number of participants، and the margin of error.

Who Can Conduct Polls؟

Only legal entities registered in accordance with Kazakh law and possessing at least five years of experience in public opinion research are permitted to conduct such surveys. These organizations must provide prior written notification to the Central Election Commission (CEC) and submit copies of relevant documentation. The notification must also detail the specialists involved، the regions where the research will take place، and the analytical methods to be employed.

Restrictions on Publication Timing

A significant restriction prohibits the publication of public opinion research results in the media and on online platforms within the five days leading up to the voting day and on the voting day itself. Furthermore، conducting any form of public opinion research within or at the polling station premises on election day is strictly forbidden.

Administrative Penalties Implemented

Violations of these regulations fall under Article 120 of the Code of Administrative Offenses، titled "Violation of the conditions for conducting opinion polls related to elections." So far، four violations have been identified: three instances of illegal public opinion research linked to the referendum and one case of publishing poll findings without the required details.

Specifically، two individuals were fined 15 MCI (approximately 64،875 tenge)، and one legal entity was fined 30 MCI (approximately 129،750 tenge) for conducting unauthorized polls. Additionally، the owner of a media outlet was held administratively liable for publishing research results without the mandatory legal requisites.

The Prosecutor General's Office urges all citizens، public organizations، and media representatives to strictly comply with the current legislation during the preparation and conduct of the national referendum.

Background to the Referendum

The national referendum on constitutional reform is scheduled for June 5th. This follows the presentation of the draft of the new constitution to President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev by members of the Constitutional Commission on February 11th. The President subsequently signed a decree calling for the referendum.

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