Kurultai elections: CEC explains rules for invalid ballots

Kazakhstan is set to hold its first Kurultai parliamentary elections on August 23, marking a significant shift in its legislative landscape. This election follows the recent adoption of a new constitution and will establish the Kurultai as the country's new legislative body. The current parliament, comprising the Mazhilis and Senate, has ceased operations, with its deputies dissolved.

The Kurultai will consist of 145 deputies, who will serve five-year terms. These deputies will be responsible for electing the Speaker of Parliament and three Deputy Speakers. Following the formation of the Kurultai, the current government is expected to resign. This marks the tenth parliamentary election in Kazakhstan since 1991 but the first under the new constitutional framework.

As election day approaches, the Central Election Commission (CEC) has clarified the criteria for invalid ballots. Ballots will be deemed invalid if they are non-standard, lack a commission member's signature, are marked for more than one party, use a pencil, show signs of tampering, or make the voter's intent impossible to determine. Voters are instructed to mark only one political party clearly.

Furthermore, citizens have been reminded of the prohibition against publishing images of completed ballots on August 23. Violating this rule carries a fine of up to 130,000 tenge. Voting will commence at 7 a.m. and conclude at 8 p.m. at 10,423 polling stations, including 79 located at Kazakhstani representative offices in 61 foreign countries. Special provisions allow for early closure at certain polling stations, such as those in military units or hospitals, if all registered voters have cast their ballots.