Today, August 23, the first-ever elections to the Kurultai have begun in Kazakhstan. Most polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. However, at some polling stations voting began an hour earlier — at 6:00. According to official data, there are more than 10,000 polling stations across the country.
In addition, 79 polling stations have been opened at diplomatic and other foreign missions of Kazakhstan in 61 countries. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the total number of registered voters abroad is 11,402 people. As of 08:00 Astana time, 26 polling stations had opened abroad. Our compatriots in Tokyo and Seoul were the first to vote — at 03:00 Astana time. By that time, 228 people had already voted abroad.
Seven officially registered political parties in Kazakhstan are taking part in the elections to the unicameral Kurultai, which will consist of 145 deputies. The parties Auyl, Ak Zhol, the Green Baytak, Adilet, the OSDP, Respublika, and the People's Party of Kazakhstan have nominated more than 500 candidates in total.
