Senate candidates start campaigning July 30

Candidates to the Kazakhstan’s Senate started their election campaigns July 30, Tengrinews.kz reported, citing Kuandyk Tyrgankulov, Head of the Central Election Committee (CEC). State registration of candidates closed in all the country’s oblasts, except Aktyubinsk oblast. “The campaigning will be run up to the midnight of August 17. Aktyubinsk oblast is the only exception: campaigning only starts there August 6”, Turgankulov said. Registration in Aktyubinsk oblast closes August 5. The CEC has registered a total of 52 candidates (against 47 in 2005 and 50 in 2008). Most of the candidates come from the ruling Nur Otan party (28 people), with one candidate coming from each of Ak Zhol, Rukhaniyat and Auyl; 13 candidates do not belong to any particular party, with another 8 candidates choosing not to specify their party affiliation. Thus, over 3 people are running for each of the Senate seats. The average age of the candidates is 54 years. In terms of geography, Kzylorda oblast is leading with its 5 candidates. The CEC also announced accreditation of 8 election observers representing the CIS mission.