Voting has concluded in Kazakhstan for the first elections of deputies to the Kurultai. According to preliminary data from the Central Election Commission (CEC), turnout stood at 74.19%, with more than 9.3 million voters having received ballots.
HOW THE VOTING CONCLUDED
By the time polling stations inside the country closed, 9,352,151 people had voted. Voting abroad concluded later: the last overseas polling station, in San Francisco (USA), finished work on 24 August at 08:00 Astana time.
In 61 countries outside Kazakhstan, 9,623 people voted, with turnout at overseas polling stations reaching 84.4%.
After voting concluded, precinct election commissions began counting the votes. The final results will be announced later by the CEC.
WHAT THE EXIT POLLS SHOWED
Three organisations published preliminary results of surveys of voters leaving polling stations. In all three studies, the «Ädilet» party is in the lead.
According to the Institute of Eurasian Integration, 71.8% of respondents voted for the party. The Institute of Public Policy estimated its result at 72.3%, while «Socis-A» put it at 70.7%.
In second place in all the studies is the «Auy» party with a result of 6.2–6.4%. Next come Respublica at 5.2–5.5%, «Aq Jol» at 5.1–5.4%, and the Nationwide Social Democratic Party (NSDP) at 5–5.2%.
If the preliminary estimates are confirmed by the official count, five parties will clear the five-percent threshold. However, exit polls remain preliminary data and do not replace the official results of the CEC.
WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THE COURSE OF THE VOTING
The official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA), Shyngys Alekeshev, stated that no serious violations of public order were permitted at any of the more than 10,000 polling stations.
Separately, a representative of the Prosecutor General's Office, Yerlan Zhanpeisov, reported seven cases of photographs of completed ballots being distributed in Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Uralsk and Kostanay. According to him, these cases were classified as unlawful campaigning; the offenders admitted their guilt and removed the posts.
After voting concluded, the police continued to provide escort for election documentation.
WHAT TOKAYEV SAID AFTER THE VOTING
After voting, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev held a briefing for media representatives. The President called the day of the first elections historic for the country and stated that the elections marked the beginning of further large-scale work.
The head of state also gave a positive assessment of the election campaign, noting the substance of the televised debates and the interest shown in them by young people.
Responding to a question about the post of vice president, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that the name of the person who will take up the post would become known within the next week or 10 days. According to the President, it will be a well-known figure.
Furthermore, Tokayev stated that there would be some personnel changes within the Government, but emphasised that he was opposed to sackings "for the sake of sacking".
Separately, the President spoke about the culture of citizens' behaviour and the need to return to traditional forms of greeting. He said that men should shake hands with one another, and also endorsed the gesture of placing the right hand over the heart.
NAZARBAYEV VOTED AT HOME
Nursultan Nazarbayev also took part in the elections. According to information from the first president's press service, he exercised his right to vote at home due to his health condition following recent spinal surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE ELECTIONS CONCLUDE
Now the election commissions are counting the votes. It is the official count that will determine the final results and the party composition of the new Kurultai.
Once the Kurultai is formed, the Government will resign, after which the formation of a new cabinet of ministers will begin. The first session of the Kurultai is to be the next stage after the official results are finalised.
