Kazakhstan Records 37.05% Voter Turnout by Noon in Kurultai Election

Kazakhstan's inaugural elections for the Kurultai saw a voter turnout of 37.05% by midday on August 23, with over 4.6 million ballots cast, according to the Central Election Commission (CEC). The election marks a significant step in the country's political reforms.

Regional turnout varied significantly, with Kyzylorda Region reporting the highest participation at 47.59%, followed closely by Zhetisu Region at 47.29%. In contrast, Almaty recorded the lowest turnout at 17.87%. Other regions like Aktobe, East Kazakhstan, and Shymkent showed turnouts above 40%.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who cast his ballot in Astana, hailed the election as a "historic milestone" for Kazakhstan. He noted the country's progress through large-scale reforms while acknowledging that substantial work remains. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Foreign Affairs Minister Yermek Kosherbayev also participated in the vote.

Voting is also underway in over 40 countries, allowing Kazakh citizens abroad to cast their ballots. The Kurultai elections will determine 145 members of Kazakhstan's new unicameral Parliament. Seven political parties are competing under a proportional representation system, with a 5% threshold required to enter the legislature. The CEC will continue to release turnout data every two hours on election day.

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Today is truly a historic day for our country. For the first time, we are holding elections to a unicameral Kurultai. This is an important historical event.