NUR-SULTAN: Parliamentary elections have started in the Republic of Kazakhstan earlier this morning, Kazinform reports.
The elections to the lower chamber of the Kazakh Parliament and Maslikhats (local administrations) are held two months prior to the expiration to the term of office of the deputies of the current convocation. For the first time in Kazakhstan’s history 30% quota is assigned for women and the youth in the party lists. This step is believed to become an effective tool in attracting women and the youth into the Parliament and Maslikhats. It will also promote their active participation in the social and political life of the country. Both elections to the Majilis and Maslikhats are now based on the party lists in line with the world’s democratic practice. Meanwhile, The turnout in the elections of deputies of the Mazhilis (lower chamber) of the parliament of Kazakhstan by 14:00 (12:00 GMT + 4) amounted to 43.9%, member of the Kazakh CEC Yerlan Dauylbayev said at a briefing. “28.8% of all voters have received ballot papers,” member of the Kazakh CEC Anastasia Shchegortsova told a briefing, media reports. According to the data submitted by the elections commissions of the regions, Almaty, Nur-Sultan and Shymkent cities, as of 12:00 a.m. January 10, 2021, 28.8% of all voters, put on the lists, have received ballot papers. She also briefed on the voter turnout in the regions. The voter turnout for elections in Akmola region is 26.6%, 25.6% in Aktobe region, 28.5% in Almaty region, 29.8% in Atyrau region, 29.9% in East Kazakhstan, 32.1% in Zhambyl region, 32.2% in West Kazakhstan, 33.5% in Karaganda region, 30.1% in Kostanay region, 28.9% in Kyzylorda region, 23.7% in Mangistau region, 33.1% in Pavlodar region, 34.2% in North Kazakhstan, 33.1% in Turkestan region, 24.2% in Nur-Sultan, 15.7% in Almaty, 34.1% in Shymkent.
Further information is to be represented at 02:00 p.m. Nur-Sultan time. – Agencies
