Over 500 Arrested on Presidential Election Day in Kazakhstan

Presidential snap elections are being held today in Kazakhstan following the resignation of former president Nursultan Nazarbayev and the appointment of interim president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The aim is to elect a "full-fledged" new president.

Despite the police reporting a calm situation and peaceful elections throughout the day, more than 500 people have been arrested across the country. The reason for these arrests has been protests coinciding with the election day, which the authorities did not approve.

During these protests, police officers also suffered injuries. At least three officers were reported injured, specifically due to being hit by pepper spray used by demonstrators.

At this moment, the polling stations in Kazakhstan have already closed. Voter turnout for the elections was approximately 80 percent.