Kazakhstan has temporarily suspended operations at 11 polling stations across 10 countries due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The announcement was made by Yerlan Zhetybayev, spokesman for the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

Zhetybayev said that the suspension affects countries within the escalation zone, including:

Iran

Israel

Jordan

Qatar

United Arab Emirates

Oman

Lebanon

Kuwait

Ukraine

Ethiopia

The general consulate in Dubai is also affected. Citizens of Kazakhstan in these countries will temporarily be unable to vote.

Zhetybayev emphasized that Kazakh diplomatic missions remain fully operational, with no plans for evacuation. “Diplomats are working around the clock. Our priority is ensuring the safe return of our citizens and their security in these countries,” he said.

Overall, Kazakhstan has prepared 71 polling stations in 54 countries for overseas voting, with 14,230 registered voters abroad. Voting materials, including ballots and ballot boxes, have already been delivered and will be distributed via diplomatic mail.

The referendum has also attracted international media interest, with 68 media outlets from 31 countries planning to send 185 journalists to cover the event.