Strong turnout in Baku as Kazakhstanis vote in Qurultay elections

By midday, 67 Kazakh citizens had voted at polling station No. 426, located at the embassy. According to consular records, around 170 voters are expected, meaning turnout had reached approximately 39% by noon local time.

Kazakh Ambassador to Azerbaijan Alim Bayel was among those who voted. He said the elections are taking place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

"Today, August 23, after a large-scale political campaign, Kazakhstan is holding its first-ever elections to the new unicameral parliament – the Qurultay. Its name comes from an ancient Turkic word, which holds special symbolism," the diplomat said.

He emphasized that citizens of Kazakhstan living, working, or studying in Azerbaijan, as well as those on business or tourist trips, are voting in Baku.

"Among the voters today, there are athletes, which is especially pleasing. Altogether, the elections are being held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. We hope that today will become an important milestone and the beginning of further positive political reforms in Kazakhstan," the Ambassador said.

Among those who came to vote were Kazakh athletes who are in Baku for the World Qazaq Kuresi Championships.

Bronze medalist Zhanat Kazez highlighted the importance of citizen participation in voting.

"I competed in the World Qazaq Kuresi Championships yesterday and captured a bronze medal. The competition in Baku was held at a high level, and I would especially like to commend the way it was organized. Today, we came to the Kazakh Embassy in Baku to vote. I believe that every citizen who has the opportunity to vote should exercise their right and contribute to the future of our country," the athlete said.

The Handball Team Astana, consisting of 29 players and coaches, also came to the polling station. Voters include not only citizens of Kazakhstan permanently residing or working in Azerbaijan but also those in Baku temporarily for sports or other reasons, contributing to high turnout.

International observers, including representatives of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, are also monitoring the elections.

Voting at polling station No. 426 continues until 8:00 p.m. local time.

As it was reported, Kazakhstan's first-ever elections for deputies of the country's new unicameral Qurultay began on August 23.  

Kazakhstanis are voting for one of seven political parties participating in the elections. Following the vote, seats in the Qurultay will be distributed among the parties that surpass the legally established threshold.