Kazakh citizens living in Japan and South Korea were the first to cast their votes in the snap presidential elections in Kazakhstan. The polling stations opened their doors at 4 a.m. Astana time and 7 a.m. Seoul time. It bears noting that several thousand Kazakh citizens are currently residing in South Korea. The first to vote were the residents of the South Korean capital of Seoul Yuri Tsoi and Maya Li. Wearing face masks remains the main requirement for all voters on polling day. The voting process is monitored by one observer, a Kazakh national working in South Korea. The embassy building is guarded by the Seoul police until the end of the voting at 5 p.m. Astana time and 8 p.m. Seoul time.
“I believe it is the duty of every citizen of our country to cast their vote today. And I would like all Kazakh citizens to actively participate in the election, since the future of our country is being decided now. And I also believe that this future is in the hands of our youth. I think that one of the most important reforms of our President is the creation of a New Kazakhstan with the help of an intelligent and educated younger generation. Being an educated person myself, I believe that it is the youth that can determine the fate of the nation and the fate of the country,” Seoul resident Maya Li said.
Meanwhile, three polling stations are currently operating in China; one of them is located at the Embassy in Beijing, the second one - at the Consulate General in Shanghai and the third one in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. With the increase in COVID-19 cases, the number of voters who may be present in the polling station at the same time is regulated. Face masks remain compulsory. The number of students casting their votes has increased.
“I came here in a great mood. It is a great honor for me to vote abroad, to choose the future President of Kazakhstan. I am sure that this election will make a huge contribution to the development of our country and to the building of a New and Fair Kazakhstan,” student Adiya Shalkarbayeva said.
“I am so happy that I have an opportunity to vote for the future of my country while being abroad. It is a great honor for me to be here today and choose the right course for my country’s future,” student Abilkaiyr Kadyrbai said.
