In June, President Nursultan Nazarbayev dissolved parliament and called an election two years ahead of schedule in line with constitutional amendments he proposed in May and as part of a drive to improve Kazakhstan's image abroad as a democratic nation.
He said the election would result in a more powerful parliament and a more diverse opposition. For the first time, the Majlis will have a say in the nomination of a prime minister and other government officials.
However, critics have pointed out that the same constitutional changes which prompted Saturday's polling will also expand Nazarbayev's own power by lifting term limits on the president.
More than 1,000 foreign observers are monitoring polling stations throughout the country and have not reported any violations so far.
Seven political parties are in the running, but as of midday it was already virtually certain that the ruling Nur Otan party would prevail.
Turnout was relatively light early on, according to election officials, with 44% of registered voters showing up to cast their ballots by 2:00 p.m. local time (noon Moscow time). However, by 4:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. Moscow time) turnout had broken the 50% barrier.
Opposition forces had complained that an early election and the new voting system would leave them with practically no chance of making it into parliament.
Opposition leaders said the initiatives were designed to improve the country's image on the international stage given its aspirations to preside in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2009, but would in effect only help Nazarbayev tighten his grip on power.
They said the changes would facilitate control over elections and prevent independent lawmakers from making it into parliament.
During Nazarbayev's time in office, Kazakhstan has posted high economic growth and relative stability stemming from vast oil and gas revenue. GDP grew 10.6% last year and 9.4% in 2005. But the country has been widely criticized for its poor democratic record.
Election officials have said that results could be announced as early as August 19.
