Kazakh citizens living abroad turned out in strong numbers for the country’s first elections to the new unicameral Qurultay, with participation reaching 84.8%.

A total of 9,623 Kazakhstanis cast their ballots at overseas polling stations, Qazinform News Agency reports.

All 79 polling commissions established outside Kazakhstan have now completed their work.

Kazakh citizens voted across 61 countries, with more than four out of five registered voters at overseas polling stations taking part in the election.

The strong turnout among voters abroad comes as Kazakhstan holds its first election to the newly established unicameral Qurultay, marking a major step in the country’s parliamentary reform.

Earlier, three exit polls conducted after voting ended released their preliminary results, offering an early indication of how Kazakhstan’s new legislature could take shape.