Ballot Photos, Polls and Campaigning: Kazakhstanis Reminded of Election Restrictions

Tengrinews.kz — The Prosecutor General’s Office has reminded Kazakhstanis of the rules that must be observed ahead of the Kurultai parliamentary election.
Prosecutors said that, overall, the election process is proceeding within the law. At the same time, eight violations of election legislation have already been identified: three cases involving the unlawful conduct of opinion polls and five cases of campaigning during a prohibited period.
Seven individuals and one legal entity have been held administratively liable.

“All of them admitted their guilt, expressed remorse and removed their unlawful publications from online platforms,” the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

When campaigning ends
The Prosecutor General’s Office reminded the public that election campaigning ends at 12:00 a.m. on August 22, 2026.
Campaigning is prohibited on August 22 and 23 — the day before voting and election day itself.
Previously posted printed campaign materials may remain in their existing locations. The same applies to online publications. However, previously published campaign materials may not be displayed on the homepages of online resources.
Campaigning during the prohibited period is subject to administrative liability under Article 102 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

“Failure to comply with these legal restrictions entails administrative liability for campaigning during the period in which it is prohibited under Article 102 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, with fines of 15 MCI for individuals, 20 MCI for small businesses or nonprofit organizations, 25 MCI for medium-sized businesses, and 35 MCI for large businesses,” the Prosecutor General’s Office said.

Poll results cannot be published
Prosecutors also reminded the public that during the five days preceding election day and on election day itself, media outlets and online platforms are prohibited from publishing opinion poll results, election forecasts and other election-related research.
In addition, opinion polls may not be conducted inside polling stations or voting premises on election day.
Violations are subject to liability under Part 2 of Article 120 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.
Photos of completed ballots can also lead to penalties
The Prosecutor General’s Office separately highlighted the ban on photographing or filming a completed ballot and distributing such images on election day.
Citizens were also reminded of the rules governing peaceful assemblies. Meetings, rallies and pickets are subject to a notification procedure, while demonstrations and marches require approval.
Violating the established procedure is subject to administrative liability under Article 488 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. If such actions cause substantial harm to the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, organizations, society or the state, criminal liability under Article 400 of the Criminal Code may also apply.
The Prosecutor General’s Office also warned of liability for spreading false information and unlawful content. Depending on the nature of the violation, criminal liability under Article 274 of the Criminal Code or administrative liability under Article 456-2 of the Code of Administrative Offenses may apply.
The Prosecutor General’s Office urged all participants in the election process to comply with the law and avoid violations.
The election to the Kurultai, Kazakhstan’s unicameral Parliament, is scheduled for August 23.
The Kurultai consists of 145 deputies elected under a proportional representation system. Seven political parties have been approved to participate in the election.
Earlier, Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission explained when a ballot in the Kurultai election will be considered invalid and what mistakes could result in a voter’s ballot not being counted.
Kurultai elections: CEC explains cases where ballots are declared invalid
The upcoming election will be Kazakhstan’s tenth parliamentary election since 1991 and the first election to the Kurultai, established under the new Constitution adopted in the 2026 constitutional referendum. The Mazhilis and Senate have now ceased operating, and their deputies have been dismissed.