Polling stations for the referendum on the draft new Constitution closed in Kazakhstan at 8:00 pm local time (7:00 pm Baku time), The Caspian Post reports.

Some polling stations outside the republic continue to accept voters, and the last of them, located in San Francisco (USA), will operate until the morning of March 16.

According to the latest data from the Central Referendum Commission, turnout reached 70.91% by 6:00 PM local time. The referendum was officially declared valid, as over 50% of citizens included on the electoral lists participated in the vote.

The text of the draft new constitution was published on February 12. Key differences between the new constitution and the current one include a transition to a unicameral parliament (Kurultai), the establishment of the post of vice president, and the formation of the People's Council as the highest advisory body. Furthermore, the document enshrines a number of new provisions, including the priority of national legislation over international law.

If approved by citizens in a referendum, the new constitution will come into force on July 1.