11/10/2004 (Agence Europe) - The EU has hailed improvements in the election process, following the second round on 3 October, but notes 'the IEOM's conclusion that in many respects the election process fell short of OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections.' In a statement, the Dutch Presidency listed 'the non-transparent introduction of electronic voting and strong media bias in coverage of the campaign' and other problems, encouraging Kazakhstan to 'continue their efforts further to improve the framework for elections and to take the necessary steps to ensure that the next elections fully meet international standards. The European Union stands ready to offer its assistance in this respect, in cooperation with the OSCE.'