Kazakhstan Constitutional Referendum Sees Over 37% Turnout by Noon

Voter turnout in Kazakhstan's nationwide constitutional referendum had surpassed 37 percent by midday, according to preliminary data from the Central Referendum Commission. By 12:00 local time, more than 4.67 million citizens had cast their ballots.

The highest regional participation was recorded in the Aktobe region, where turnout reached 45.73 percent. Several other regions also reported figures above 40 percent, including Abai (41.93%), Akmola (44.66%), and Turkestan (44.13%). The cities of Astana and Almaty showed lower participation rates of 31.23% and 14.85%, respectively.

A member of the Central Referendum Commission noted that voting had already concluded at 106 polling stations set up in locations for citizens' temporary stay.

The referendum, which asks citizens whether they accept a new constitution published on February 12, requires a simple majority of votes to pass but is only valid if more than half of eligible voters participate. The nationwide vote began at 7:00 and is scheduled to continue until 20:00.