More than 70 percent of voters are ready to participate in the Kurultai elections – poll

Tengrinews.kz — The Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KISS) has released sociological research findings showing that a majority of surveyed Kazakhstanis are ready to participate in the Kurultai elections. As the vote approaches, the number of undecided voters has significantly decreased.

KISS synthesized data from seven sociological surveys conducted between June 13 and August 17. The studies were carried out by DATAMetrics (commissioned by KISS), the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development, the Institute of Eurasian Integration, the Institute of Democracy, and the Institute of Public Policy.

Majority of respondents ready to vote

Despite differences in timing, methodology, and sample size, all seven studies showed a similar level of readiness among citizens to participate in the voting process.

According to DATAMetrics, 75.6 percent of respondents expressed their intention to take part in the elections. Two surveys by the Institute of Eurasian Integration showed figures of 72.1 and 73.2 percent.

In studies by the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development, 75.1 and 70.3 percent of respondents expressed readiness to vote. The Institute of Public Policy recorded the figure at 72.3 percent, while the Institute of Democracy reported 73.1 percent.

Thus, across all seven studies, the proportion of citizens declaring their readiness to vote ranged from 70.3 to 75.6 percent. The margin between the minimum and maximum values was 5.3 percentage points.

Higher voter readiness is observed among the older generation. According to the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development, this figure reaches 80.7 percent among older respondents, compared to 69.4 percent among the youth.

Citizens with higher education also demonstrated a greater willingness to participate in the elections.

Voters finalizing party preferences

One of the primary trends of the election campaign is the reduction in the number of citizens who remain undecided regarding their party choice.

In the DATAMetrics study conducted from June 13 to July 2, the share of undecided voters stood at 22.6 percent.

In the first survey by the Institute of Eurasian Integration, this figure dropped to 14.2 percent, and in a telephone poll by the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development, it fell to 10.9 percent.

The second study by the Institute of Eurasian Integration showed the share of undecided voters at 8.4 percent, while the most recent survey by the Institute of Public Policy recorded it at just 5.3 percent.

Consequently, between the first and last surveys, the figure decreased by 17.3 percentage points—a more than fourfold reduction.

According to KISS, this dynamic may indicate the gradual formation of clearer electoral preferences as election day nears. Potential reasons cited include increased public awareness and the intensification of party information and agitation campaigns.

Data from the Institute of Public Policy shows that 89.4 percent of respondents are aware of the upcoming August 23 elections. Of these, 55.2 percent are well-informed about the election details, while another 34.2 percent have heard about them but lack specific information.

Factors influencing party choice

Several factors influence voter decisions.

According to the Institute of Public Policy study, 44.4 percent of respondents are guided by a positive assessment of a party's initiatives. Another 29.2 percent identify themselves as party supporters.

For 25.3 percent of those surveyed, a key factor is whether they associate the future of Kazakhstan with their chosen party. Additionally, 14.7 percent pay attention to how a party interacts with its constituents.

Over the past five years, Kazakhstan has undergone several electoral campaigns and nationwide political procedures. KISS notes that regular appeals to the voters' will are gradually institutionalizing the practice of direct citizen participation in political processes.

Kurultai Elections – 2026

This will be the tenth parliamentary election in Kazakhstan since 1991 and the first for the Kurultai, established under the new Constitution adopted in the 2026 constitutional referendum. To date, the Mazhilis and Senate have ceased operations, and their deputies have been dissolved.

A new legislative body, the Kurultai.

The first elections for Kurultai deputies will be held on August 23. It will consist of 145 deputies elected for five-year terms. They will independently elect the Speaker of Parliament and three Deputy Speakers.

The current government will resign following the formation of the Kurultai.

Earlier, details were released regarding the appearance of the ballot for the elections to the unicameral Parliament, the Kurultai.

Kazakhstani citizens were also reminded of the prohibition on publishing images of completed ballots on election day. Violating this rule carries a fine of up to 130,000 tenge.

Which stages of the election campaign are already complete and what voters can expect before August 23, read our report.

Read also: How to find your polling station for the Kurultai elections