International observers welcome Kazakh elections

Observers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have welcomed the recently held elections in Kazakhstan, describing the event as a step forward by that country.

Astana, Aug.21 : Observers of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) have welcomed the recently held elections in Kazakhstan, describing the event as a step "forward" by that country.

Elections were held on August 18, and according to the Central Electoral Commission of Kazakhstan (CEC), the ruling "Nur Otan" party won 88.05 percent of the vote.

International observers said the polls were quite positive. Elections did not meet all of international democratic standards, they said, but added that "welcome progress" was made.

"Notwithstanding the concerns contained in the report, I believe that these elections continue to move Kazakhstan forward in its evolution towards a democratic country," said Senator Consiglio Di Nino, the special coordinator of the OSCE and Head of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly delegation.

David Wilshire, the Head of the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said: "Building a democracy is a long and hard task. However, the people of Kazakhstan are making real progress. I am not surprised that more needs to be done, but saddened that the outstanding challenges include some fundamental matters."

Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj, who heads the long-term election observation mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), stressed that the election legislation reform, which was interrupted by the early elections, needs to be resumed as soon as possible.

"The authorities have demonstrated a willingness to improve the election process, but our observations show that Kazakhstan still needs to make many improvements," he said.

ANI