Exit poll: More that 70% of Kazakh citizens voted for Kassym-Jomart Tokayev

How did we get here?

In a surprise move, First Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, founder of modern Kazakhstan who led Kazakhstan for almost 30 years, announced his resignation as the President during the televised address to the people of Kazakhstan on 19 March 2019 at 07:00 pm Nur-Sultan time.

Then-Senate Speaker Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had to fill the post of the President until the remaining period terminates in accordance with the Constitution. After the swearing-in ceremony, incumbent President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev decided to call a snap presidential election, calling it “essential and crucial”.

Candidates for presidency

Seven candidates for the highest job in the country were registered, including the first woman candidate running for presidency.

Zhambyl Akhmetbekov, 58, a Communist People’s Party nominee. His first attempt to win the 2011 presidential election was unsuccessful after obtaining more than 1% of votes.

Daniya Yespayeva, 58, is the first women running for presidency. She represents the Democratic Party of Kazakhstan “Ak Zhol” (“White path”). In her campaigning program Daniya Yespayeva pledged to cope with the issues of mothers with many children.

Amirzhan Kossanov, 55, is the candidate for president nominated by the public national and patriotic movement “Ult Tagdyry” (The Fate of the Nation).

Toleutay Rakhimbekov, 55, a People’s Democratic Patriotic Party “Aul” nominee. He is a member of Kazakh National Academy of Economic Sciences, Doctor of Economics.

Amangeldy Taspikhov, 59, was nominated by the Federation of Trade Unions of Kazakhstan. He serves as a director of Ural Oil and Gas LLP.

Sadybek Tugel, 64, is a republican movement “Uly dala kyrandary” (The great steppe eagles) nominee. Now he engages in creative and public activities and serves as the chief editor of the republican popular-science magazine about national values “Kazanat”.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, 66, is the incumbent Kazakh President. His candidacy was put forward by Chairman Nursultan Nazarbayev of the ruling party Nur Otan at the 19th extraordinary convention.

Turnout

With the total number of 11 947 995 eligible voters throughout the country, the turnout of 77.4% was observed after polling stations closed at 08:00 pm Nur-Sultan time, and at 09:00 pm in five Western Kazakhstan regions due to time difference, according to preliminary information of the Central Election Commission.

“The vote has ended and the ballot counting has started and will end within 12 hours”, Konstantin Petrov, Deputy Chairman of the CEC, said.

Turnout by regions:

Akmola region – 83,4%

Aktobe region – 84,9%

Almaty region – 89,0%

Atyrau region – 71,2%

Eastern Kazakhstan – 84,9%

Zhambyl region – 81,3%

Western Kazakhstan – 66,3%

Karaganda region – 77,3%

Kostanay region – 84,1%

Kyzylorda region – 81,6%

Mangystau region – 68,9%

Pavlodar region – 81,2%

Northern Kazakhstan – 79,8%

Turkestan region – 84,8%

Almaty – 52,2%

Shymkent – 67,6%

Nur-Sultan – 68,9%

Exit poll: preliminary results

According to the preliminary exit poll results, current President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev got about 70.13% of the votes, leaving other candidates behind. Amirzhan Kossanov scored 15.39%, followed by Daniya Yespayeva on 5.32%. Other candidates scored as follows: Zhambyl Akhmetbekov – 3.86%, Toleutay Rakhimbekov – 3.03%, Amangeldy Taspikhov – 1.41% and Sadybek Tugel – 0.86%.

The exit poll by the Qogamdyk Pikiri (Public Opinion) Institute 

There were 9,968 polling stations across Kazakhstan, as well as at the country’s foreign missions abroad. 

The final results are to be announced by law within 10 days of the election day.

1,013 international observers, including 866 observers from 9 international organisations and 147 observers from 41 foreign countries, were accredited to the election.

Record number of foreign journalists is recorded 

By comparison, 168 foreign media representatives were at the 2015 election, and this year’s election is attended by 227 foreign correspondents from over 40 countries to cover the election, showcasing the high interest of the world community in the ongoing changes in the political and social life of the country.

Violations

The General Prosecutor’s Office says 19 legal violations have been reported, but foreign observers say the vote appeared to be mainly smooth.

According to Bulat Dembayev, Kazakh Deputy Prosecutor General, the violations took place in Nur-Sultan and Almaty, as well as in Almaty, Atyrau, Kyzylorda, Mangystau and Turkestan regions.

“Violations include illegal agitation, obtaining several ballots, casting two or three ballots and voting in two polling stations”, Dembayev said.

Adlet Seilkhanov