Polling stations in Kazakhstan closed on Sunday evening, and vote counting began in the country's early legislative elections, which could lead to independent members reaching parliament.
Voting was 54.19 percent of the 12 million voters, according to the election authority. According to polls broadcast on state television, the ruling party Amanat topped the results with 53% of the vote, with 5 to 6 new parties expected to enter parliament, compared to 3 currently.
In a first since 2004, independents can run in these elections, in addition to allocating a 30% quota for women, youth and people with disabilities.
These changes have somewhat revived the political landscape in this former Soviet republic bordering Russia and China, which witnessed deadly riots in January 2022.
The demonstrations, held against the high cost of living, have inflamed tensions in the country and have been met with a crackdown that has killed 238 people, according to an official toll.