Kazakhstan opens over 10,000 polling stations for first Kurultai election

Kazakhstan opened 10,363 polling stations across the country on Sunday

(23 August) for Kazakhstan’s first elections to the Kurultai, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Polling stations began operating at 7 a.m. Astana time, while 107 of them opened earlier at 6 a.m. based on decisions by territorial election commissions. In total, 12,605,788 citizens are included in the voter lists.

Authorities also issued 17,132 absentee certificates, allowing voters to cast ballots outside their registered localities. A total of 10,423 polling stations have been established for the election, including 79 stations in 61 foreign countries. Voting abroad Voting has also begun at polling stations abroad.

Kazakhstan established 79 polling stations at diplomatic missions and consular offices in 61 countries to ensure citizens living abroad can exercise their constitutional right to vote.

A total of 11,402 voters are registered at these stations. According to Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Issetov, 26 polling stations abroad had opened by 8 a.m. Astana time. Kazakh citizens in Tokyo and Seoul were the first to begin voting, at 3 a.m. Astana time. As of 8 a.m., 228 citizens had cast their ballots at polling stations abroad. Election rules CEC member Lazzat Suyindik reminded voters and media representatives on Aug. 21. of restrictions on the publication of election-related opinion polls and forecasts. Under Kazakhstan’s election legislation, results of public opinion polls, forecasts of election results and other election-related research cannot be published during the five days preceding election day or on election day itself.

According to her, exit polls may be conducted on election day only outside polling station premises and by organizations that have notified the CEC in advance. Photographing or video recording a completed ballot and distributing such material is also prohibited on election day.

At the same time, voters are allowed to take photographs at polling stations, including near ballot boxes or while casting their ballots, provided that the photograph does not reveal which party they voted for. The restriction on distributing such images applies specifically to election day.

First Kurultai election The election marks a new stage in Kazakhstan’s parliamentary system. Citizens will elect 145 members of the Kurultai, the country’s new unicameral Parliament, through proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency. Seven political parties are contesting the election, with parties required to secure at least 5% of the vote to enter the legislature. A total of 777 foreign observers from 42 countries and 13 international organizations have been accredited to monitor the election.. Starting at 10 a.m., the CEC will provide updates on voter turnout every two hours throughout election day.

Source: Astana Times