Kazakhstan election turnout surpasses 50% by 2 pm

Voter turnout in Kazakhstan's elections to the country's unicameral parliament, the Qurultay, surpassed 50% as of 2 pm local time, according to Secretary of the Central Election Shavkat Utemisov, Report informs.

According to him, 6,696,002 voters had received ballots nationwide by 2 pm, accounting for 53.12% of citizens included on the voter lists.

The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Almaty, the country's largest city, at 30.36%. The highest turnout was registered in Kyzylorda Region at 64.22%. In the capital, Astana, 40.92% of voters had cast their ballots.

There is no minimum voter turnout threshold for parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan. Elections are considered valid regardless of the number of people who participate in the vote.

Voting is conducted only through party lists. Citizens can vote for one of seven political parties or against all candidates.