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Voting in Kazakh city of Zhanaozen passing quietly

According to the forecast of the city election commission, the turnout will be at least 70 percent

ASTANA, January 15 (Itar-Tass) — The voting at the ahead-of-time elections to the lower house of the national parliament is passing quietly in the city of Zhanaozen, located in the western part of the republic where the president imposed the state of emergency after mass disorders on last December 16, and no violations of public law and order were registered, city commandant Amanzhol Kabylov told reporters on Sunday.

According to the commandant, the situation in the city is even quieter than on the eve of the voting when “we detained daily 7-10 people for violations of the curfew and absence of documents”.

The commandant informed reporters that security of citizens in the state of emergency is insured by 2,000 law enforcers, and seven police posts were put up around the city.

Along with residents, reporters and international observers are in Zhanaozen on Election Day. The commandant’s office gave a permission for filming to three TV companies. However, he specified, they can work only at polling stations; filming in the city is banned.

Zhanaozen authorities opened 28 polling stations where 51,000 registered voters can cast their ballots. According to the forecast of the city election commission, the turnout will be at least 70 percent.

Seven parties participate in the general elections in Kazakhstan. According to changes made in legislation, from now on, at least two parties are to be represented in the lower chamber.

The republic holds simultaneously regular elections to local bodies of self-rule on Sunday.