NEWS

Kazakh FM Confident Election to Mark “Step Forward for Young Nation”

            ASTANA, January 15, 2012 – Meeting foreign observers and reporters today, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yerzhan Kazykhanov said he was confident the election for the Majilis of the Parliament would represent a “step forward for our young nation.”

            “We are happy that today’s elections passed off peaceably and calmly, giving our citizens the opportunity to exercise their democratic right to choose their representatives in Parliament,” the minister said as the polling stations were closing.

            “We are grateful to the 1,000 international observers who have come to monitor these elections, and to almost 150 foreign reporters who showed interest in covering the election. Their presence with us is welcome, and an important signal of our country’s commitment to openness and determination to follow a democratic path,” Kazykhanov noted.

            The minister also spoke of the challenges of holding an election in a big country and in a country which has seen mass disturbances in one town last month.

“We were determined that today’s elections would be conducted in a free and fair manner. The administrative challenge of holding elections in the world’s 9th largest country makes this no mean achievement. Voters have been able to exercise their democratic right in a secure environment, including in Zhanaozen which we consider particularly important following the tragic events of 16 December,” Kazykhanov added.

            “We have witnessed an open and transparent electoral process. Journalists and observers - domestic and international - have been able to travel and monitor freely the length and breadth of the country, including in Zhanaozen. We take note of all accusations of irregularity and each will be investigated,” the Foreign Minister continued.

            According to the minister, “the election outcome is still awaited – we respect the role of the CEC in announcing what the people have decided.  But at least one other political party is guaranteed to take its place in the new Parliament – increasing the diversity of debate, and so strengthening our political system.” 

            “Every successfully held election represents a step forward for our young nation.   The CEC is to be congratulated on the efficient and transparent conduct of these elections, so helping to improve our democratic process,” Yerzhan Kazykhanov said.

Date of issue: 2012-01-15