Europe denounces the Nazarbayev election

Statement by the Presidency of the European Union on the Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission for the Presidential Elections in Kazakhstan

The Presidency of the European Union has been closely following events over the course of the Kazakhstan presidential elections held on 4 December. The Presidency of the EU welcomes the fact that the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR International Election Observation Mission notes that there have been some improvements in the administration of this election in the pre-election period. The Presidency of the EU appreciates the access to election commissions at all levels granted to the observers. The Presidency of the EU is also pleased that voting on the day was conducted in a generally calm and peaceful atmosphere.

But the Presidency of the EU notes with disappointment the assessment of the international election observation mission that the 4 December Presidential elections did not meet a number of OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. In particular the Presidency of the EU regrets the restrictions on opposition candidates’ ability to campaign freely, which the international election observation mission believe limited the possibility for a meaningful competition. The Presidency of the EU is also concerned about problems relating to the count including reports of ballot stuffing and tampering with the result protocols. The Presidency of the EU calls on the Government of Kazakhstan to investigate these instances of fraud and malpractice quickly and in a transparent manner and to take appropriate action.

The Presidency of the EU is disappointed that the Kazakh authorities did not amend the legislative framework in line with the recommendations of the OSCE/ODIHR following the Parliamentary elections in 2004. The EU stands ready to assist Kazakhstan in fulfilling its international commitments in this regard in all fora, including the OSCE.

December 5, 2005