The Islamic Organisation for Food Security (IOFS) participated as an accredited international observer in Kazakhstan’s first parliamentary elections for the new unicameral Kurultai, a milestone in the country’s ongoing political transformation.
The IOFS observation mission comprised seven accredited international observers led by Ambassador Berik Aryn, Director General of the organisation. While part of the team monitored polling stations across all districts of Astana, other members travelled to the Karaganda region to observe the electoral process beyond the capital.
In a statement following field visits, the IOFS mission said the polling stations it visited were well organised and technically equipped. According to the observers, voting proceeded in a transparent and orderly manner, with clear voter information and signage available throughout the polling stations.
The mission also noted that appropriate conditions had been created for people with disabilities. Visually impaired voters, for example, had access to Braille information materials, allowing them to exercise their voting rights independently.
“Overall, our impression of the voting process has been positive,” the organisation said. “We observed a calm atmosphere, professional work by election commissions, and citizens participating with a strong sense of civic responsibility.”
The IOFS mission added that polling station commissions demonstrated a high level of professionalism and, according to its assessment, operated in compliance with national electoral legislation and relevant international standards.
Observers said they were particularly encouraged to see citizens arriving at polling stations together with their families and young children.
“This is a very positive sign, as it demonstrates a strong culture of civic participation and helps foster democratic values among future generations,” the mission noted.
The organisation had announced that its observers would remain in the field through the final hours of voting, including the closing of polling stations at 8:00 PM and the subsequent counting process.
On behalf of the Islamic Organisation for Food Security, Ambassador Aryn congratulated the people of Kazakhstan on what he described as an important stage in the country’s political transformation and wished the country continued peace and prosperity.
IOFS outlines future food security cooperation with Egypt and Kazakhstan
The IOFS mission’s presence also highlighted Kazakhstan’s broader role within the organisation. Kazakhstan initiated the creation of IOFS and hosts its permanent headquarters in Astana, while the country assumed the chairmanship of the organisation’s 7th General Assembly in May 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing in Astana, Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khan, Advisor to the Director General of IOFS, told Atlas News that new programmes are being prepared to strengthen cooperation among members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in addressing food security challenges. IOFS officially identifies Khan as Advisor to the Director General.
In response to a question from Atlas News, Khan stressed that Kazakhstan would play an active role in these initiatives, pointing to the country’s extensive agricultural resources and efforts to further develop its agricultural sector.
“The government of Kazakhstan will be a contributing and active participant in all these programs,” Khan said, noting that Kazakhstan possesses vast agricultural lands and is working to develop the agricultural sector to ensure food supply.
Regarding Egypt’s role in agricultural cooperation among Islamic countries, Khan underlined Cairo’s importance both in Africa and across the Arab world.
“The Egyptian role is very important, especially in African countries and Arab countries in general,” he said, pointing out that “Egypt is a major country and has extensive experience in the field of agriculture.”
Khan said IOFS intends to draw on Egyptian agricultural expertise as it develops future programmes for African countries.
“We clearly benefit from the experiences of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and God willing, there are many programs for African countries. We will rely on and draw expertise from Egypt to transfer it to other countries.
He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s importance to the organisation, noting that IOFS is headquartered in the country and that cooperation programmes involving Kazakhstan and other member states are currently being developed.
“There are programs in the planning process, and to the best of our ability we will help countries such as Egypt, Kazakhstan, and other countries. We have many countries with vast experience in the field of agriculture, and we will benefit from this expertise, just as the state here in Kazakhstan will benefit.
Khan stressed that the broader objective is to develop “food security programs in general for the member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The Islamic Organisation for Food Security is a specialised institution of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and is headquartered in Astana. Ambassador Berik Aryn has served as its Director General since April 2024.
Source: https://www.atlasnews.ro/exclusive-atlas-news-iofs-observers-kazakhstan-kurultai-elections/
