The spokesperson for the European External Action Service called on Kazakhstan on Tuesday 12 January to remedy the “systemic” shortcomings concerning its elections, “to continue to cooperate constructively” with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights within the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) and to fully implement the recommendations made by the OSCE, two days after the parliamentary elections on 10 January.
Despite “efficient organisation” and “good cooperation with [OSCE/ODIHR]”, “the legal framework in Kazakhstan is not yet conducive to holding elections in line with international standards”, the spokesperson explained in a statement, endorsing the preliminary conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
He said election day was generally calm, but it was marred by limitations on fundamental freedoms, including the detention of peaceful demonstrators. “Systemic shortcomings in relation to respect for freedom of association, of assembly and of expression continue to restrict the political landscape, and had a negative impact on the election”, he said.
“Furthermore, the lack of competition, with no new parties registered since 2013, left voters without a genuine choice”, he added. The ruling party ‘Nur Otan’ is reported to have obtained nearly 72% of the vote, according to a poll at the exit of the ballot box.
The spokesperson also denounced concerted measures that prevented some domestic election observers from carrying out effective observation. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)