2026 Referendum: More than 50% of voters cast ballots  

Images | MFA

Due to time zone differences, all polling stations abroad opened by 7:00 PM, and 14 of them have already closed. At the moment, 9,050 people have voted," he informed.

The polling station in San Francisco, U.S., will be the last to complete the overseas voting process on March 16 at 08:00 AM Astana time," the Deputy Minister noted.

Images | election.gov.kz

• Abai region - 69.29%
• Akmola region - 71.33%
• Aktobe region - 77.65%
• Almaty region - 68.23%
• Atyrau region - 64.33%
• West Kazakhstan region - 60.61%
• Zhambyl region - 70.31%
• Zhetysu region - 68.50%
• Karaganda region - 72.63%
• Kostanay region - 70.96%
• Kyzylorda region - 82.02%
• Mangystau region - 68.19%
• Pavlodar region - 68.41%
• North Kazakhstan region - 60.70%
• Turkistan region - 72.39%
• Ulytau region - 66.50%
• East Kazakhstan region - 78.98%
• Astana - 47.76%
• Almaty - 28.16%
• Shymkent - 72.61%

I am aware that there are various discussions surrounding the position of the Vice President. Indeed, such a role exists in a number of foreign countries. Some experts believe that this may signal growing competition within the government in Kazakhstan and emerging trends that may cause concern. However, there is absolutely no reason to worry that this will have a negative impact on society," said Tokayev.

As President, I place great hopes on this position, as I do on all reforms in general. The next presidential elections will be held, as expected, within the timeframe established by the current Constitution - in 2029," added the Head of State.

Images | Akorda

The Constitution is truly a historic document that guarantees the rights and freedoms of our citizens, and therefore holds exceptional importance. The new Constitution affirms the territorial integrity, Independence, and Sovereignty of our nation. The Constitution adopted in 1995 has fulfilled its role. Our country has lived under that document for 35 years, but time does not stand still. The moment has come to adopt a new Fundamental Law. I also actively participated in its drafting, personally proposing the wording of the preamble and several other provisions. I am confident that the new Fundamental Law will serve the interests of the country and its future," he stated.

Images | MFA

The voting process is also actively taking place in Russia, India, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, said the ministry.

First of all, it is necessary to create a favorable institutional, legal, and business environment. Kazakhstan was among the first countries in the world to introduce flexible and modern digital regulation. The Digital Code has been adopted, and the Law on Artificial Intelligence has come into force. However, this is only the beginning of a large-scale journey, and we must not stop here. The world has entered an era of dynamic technological change. You are well aware of this. Science, education, and technology are developing at a rapid pace, which means the regulatory framework also requires prompt updates. In short, we must formulate a unified definition of a digital state that is clear to every citizen. The Digital Qazaqstan strategy must be based on the real needs of citizens and businesses, said the Kazakh president.

It is important to ensure the accelerated digitalization of public administration. Currently, more than 90% of public services have been switched to an online format. However, interdepartmental information systems are not integrated into end-to-end processes. Speed and quality must be priorities at all stages, he said.

Images | instagram.com/b.zhalenov

• L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University (2010-2014): Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering and Software.
• New York University (2019-2021): Master of Science in Information Systems / Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• University of Cambridge, Judge Business School (2022): Cambridge FinTech and Regulatory Innovation program at the Centre for Alternative Finance.
• He is a recipient of the Bolashak International Scholarship.

• IT Consultant, Center for Electronic Commerce LLP, Ministry of Finance (September 2013 - October 2015).
• Manager / Development Director / Deputy General Director, Isker Akparat LLP (November 2015 - December 2018).
• Research Assistant, Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University (March 2019 - December 2020).
• Technology Strategy Consultant, IBM iX, New York (February 2020 - December 2020).
• Advisor to the Governor, National Bank of Kazakhstan (Remote) (June 2019 - January 2021).
• Chairman of the Management Board, Center for Development of Payment and Financial Technologies of the National Bank (February 2021 - February 2023).
• CEO, Kazakhstan Interbank Settlement Center of the National Bank (February 2023 - August 2023).
• Chairman of the Board, National Payment Corporation of the National Bank (August 2023 - September 2024).
• Chief Digital Transformation Officer / Advisor to the Governor, National Bank (since September 2024).