Kazakhstan reduces overseas polling stations for constitutional referendum

The number of overseas polling stations where Kazakh citizens can vote in the upcoming constitutional referendum has been reduced. The Central Referendum Commission (CRC) has revised the initial plan to open 80 foreign polling stations, now settling on 71 stations across 54 countries.

CRC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov stated that approximately 14,230 Kazakh citizens abroad will be able to cast their votes at these locations. With this adjustment, the total number of polling stations for the referendum, both domestic and international, now stands at 10,402.

The reduction is a direct response to escalating instability in several regions. Deputy Foreign Minister Yerlan Alimbayev explained that the decision was made to suspend operations at 11 specific polling stations. These are located in Iran, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Lebanon, Kuwait, Dubai (UAE), and Ukraine.

The security situation in the Middle East has deteriorated significantly. On February 28th, Israeli airstrikes targeted Tehran and hundreds of sites across Iran. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at Israel and struck American military bases in allied nations including Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.

The cross-border attacks caused widespread disruption. In Kuwait, rocket debris damaged an international airport terminal and injured several people. Qatar's air defense intercepted missiles over Doha, with explosions felt in residential areas. In the UAE, falling debris from intercepted targets caused damage in urban districts and on Palm Jumeirah island.

The nationwide referendum on constitutional amendments is scheduled for March 15th. Voting will take place from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM local time across Kazakhstan and at the operational overseas stations.

Voters will be presented with a single question on the ballot: "Do you accept the new Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan?" Citizens must vote for or against the entire revised document as a whole; there is no option to approve individual chapters or articles separately. The proposed amendments affect approximately 84% of the current constitution's text.