Extraordinary Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan

Extraordinary presidential elections are taking place in Kazakhstan, with polling stations opened across the country, said Mukhtar Erman, secretary of the Central Election Commission, in a press briefing. According to RIA Novosti, voting commenced at 7 AM Astana time in most regions of Kazakhstan, while in the western regions—such as Western Kazakhstan, Atyrau, Aktobe, Kyzylorda, and Mangystau—voting began one hour later.

Over a three-hour period, voter turnout was recorded at 23.37%. Voting in the main territory of the country will conclude at 8 PM Astana time, while the western regions will continue for one more hour.

The Central Election Commission has registered six candidates: in addition to the incumbent president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, they include economist Meiram Kazhiken from the Amanat trade union, Zhiguli Dairabaev from the Auyl party representing the Farmers' Association, Nurlan Auessbayev from the opposition National Social-Democratic Party, human rights activist Saltanat Tursinbekova from the