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Kazakhstan's referendum draws crowds as Mangystau voters turn out in festive spirit

From traditional attire to early-morning ballots, Mangystau's residents redefine civic participation. Will this referendum outpace 2022's turnout?

The image shows a map of Kazakhstan with the flag of the country in the center. The map is green...
The image shows a map of Kazakhstan with the flag of the country in the center. The map is green and yellow in color, with a white background.

Kazakhstan's referendum draws crowds as Mangystau voters turn out in festive spirit

Kazakhstan's constitutional referendum has drawn voters across the country, with Mangystau Region showing strong early engagement. The poll opened on a significant day—the Amal holiday—bringing many residents to stations in traditional clothing. Governor Nurdaulet Kilibayev was among the first to cast his ballot in Aktau.

The referendum marks a key moment for Kazakhstan, with 444,198 eligible residents registered to vote in Mangystau alone. Governor Kilibayev arrived at Polling Station No. 68 in Aktau's 16th microdistrict at 7:00 a.m., setting an early example for participation.

Across the region, stations reported high turnout throughout the day. This contrasts with the previous constitutional vote in March 2022, when Mangystau recorded 68.7% participation—below the national average of 77.4%. Many voters this year wore festive attire, blending civic duty with cultural celebration.

The referendum's timing with Amal added a distinct character to the process. Final turnout figures will determine whether Mangystau's engagement has improved since 2022. Officials will now tally votes to assess regional and national support for the proposed changes.

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