Since early morning, from 6 a.m., young members of the National Guard of Kazakhstan have been fulfilling their civic duty. Many of them are exercising their constitutional right for the first time.
Today members of the National Guard have been up since early morning as usual. However, this morning they headed not to parade ground, but polling station. The guardsmen say this is a special day, because both Head of State and Supreme Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan will be selected today.
A young National Guard soldier, Akhmet Aitkuan, was the first to cast his ballot at polling station no. 226. This was an exciting moment for the young man because he is voting for the first time in his life.
“This is a historic moment for me, too, because I cast my ballot in the presidential election for the first time in my life. I was lucky to be the first one among the soldiers on the site. I believe that this is a big step for the future of our country and I have made my choice!” Aitkuan shared.
Together with Aitkuan, more than 1,500 Guardsmen were able to cast their votes. Almost half of them are taking part in the presidential election for the first time. All of them are confident that they made the right choice, which will affect the well-being of all Kazakh people.
“I cast my vote for the future of my country, I am sure that I have made the right choice,” one voter said.
“I’ve made my choice, I'm sure it's the right one. I strongly believe in the bright future of the country!” opined another.
This polling station has been open since 6 a.m. The Guards' voting was already complete by this afternoon. Moreover, in the first hour of voting at polling station no. 226, more than a third of soldiers made their choice. This rapidity has a reason. The Guardsmen have to begin their duties as soon as possible.
“The National Guard members ensure the protection of public order during social and political events held in the country. Today, they both cast their votes expressing civic stance and protect public order,” noted Aidarbek Zhussupbekov, Deputy Commander of the military base no. 5573, National Guard of Kazakhstan.
All measures have been taken to ensure that voting takes place in a calm atmosphere and to preserve law and order. More than 20,000 police officers are on duty at polling stations. Approximately 14,000 internal affairs officers patrol public areas and streets. In addition, video surveillance has been stepped up, according to law enforcement officers.
