The Legitimacy of the Elections in Kazakhstan Is Doubtless

According to Zhang Haizhou, the head of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization mission that observed the parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan on January 10, the elections were fair and democratic, Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency reports.

«We haven’t seen any violations that could affect the elections’ results. Therefore, the mission recognizes the elections as free, fair, legal and democratic. I mean the legitimacy of the elections is doubtless,» said Zhang Haizhou at the briefing today. 

As international observers from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization noted, the analysis of pre-election campaigns has shown the presence in the country of political competition, transparency and fair electoral process.

«The mission believes that the parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan have met all international standards and the legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan,» said Haizhou.

According to an exit poll of the Institute of Democracy during the elections to the Mazhilis (parliament) and Maslikhats (local representative chambers) Nur Otan party has received 72% of the votes. The second result was Ak Zhol party – 10.27%, and the third People’s Party of Kazakhstan with 9.54% votes. Two other parties Auyl and ADAL received 4.93% and 3.25% of votes respectively.