ASTANA – Voting in Kazakhstan’s first elections to the Kurultai concluded at all polling stations across the country at 8 p.m. on Aug. 23, with 9,352,151 voters, or 74.19% of those registered, having received ballots, according to preliminary voter turnout data from the Central Election Commission (CEC).
Photo credit: gov.kz
Polling stations have now closed nationwide, and precinct election commissions have begun counting the ballots. Under Kazakhstan’s election legislation, the vote-counting process may not exceed 12 hours from the start of counting. Territorial election commissions will transmit preliminary voting and counting results to the CEC through electronic channels.
The highest turnout was recorded in the Turkistan Region at 92.16%, followed by the Zhetisu Region at 91.19% and the Kyzylorda Region at 90.75%. Turnout in the Aktobe Region reached 88.30%, while the East Kazakhstan Region recorded 87.50% and the Zhambyl Region 85.18%.
Turnout stood at 82.69% in the Akmola Region, 81.41% in the Abai Region, 77.31% in the North Kazakhstan Region, 76.47% in the Kostanai Region and 76.28% in the Karagandy Region.
Among the cities of national significance, Shymkent recorded 75.42% turnout, Astana 51.67% and Almaty 43.23%.
Other regional figures included 73.38% in West Kazakhstan, 71.38% in the Mangystau Region, 71.20% in the Pavlodar Region, 71.17% in the Almaty Region, 70.74% in the Atyrau Region and 70.72% in the Ulytau Region.
Voting continues at overseas polling stations
Voting abroad is continuing in accordance with local time zones. As of 7 p.m. Astana time, all 79 polling stations established at Kazakhstan’s diplomatic missions and consular offices in 61 countries had opened. Voting had concluded in 11 countries, with 6,007 of the 11,402 registered voters abroad having cast their ballots.
Polling stations in Washington, New York, San Francisco, Ottawa and Brasilia continued operating as of the latest update. Seventy-four overseas polling stations were expected to complete voting by midnight Astana time.
The final overseas voting process will conclude at the polling station at Kazakhstan’s Consulate General in San Francisco at 8 a.m. Astana time on Aug. 24.
Protocols from overseas precinct election commissions will be transmitted to the CEC for inclusion in the overall election results.
Observers assess new parliamentary system
International observers said the election represents more than a change in the structure of Kazakhstan’s legislature. They noted that the new political system, established under the Constitution adopted in 2026, will ultimately be assessed by its ability to strengthen accountability, ensure institutional stability and create a predictable environment for citizens and investors.
The election marks the first vote for Kazakhstan’s new unicameral Kurultai, which will comprise 145 deputies elected through proportional representation in a single nationwide constituency.
The CEC will announce preliminary election results at a dedicated briefing, with the time to be communicated separately.
