Kazakhstan on Monday criticized the “lack of objectivity” of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) observer mission in its preliminary conclusions on Sunday’s early presidential elections, which said that it underlined the lack of pluralism and competitiveness.
“The statement on the preliminary conclusions of the observation mission (…) lacks objectivity and puts in question the effectiveness of the ODIHR as an important institution that up to this day has had the support of our republic,” the Kazakh Foreign Ministry said.
Official Astana believes that the report contains a set of “typical OSCE/ODIHR biased conclusions, demonstrating a complete unwillingness to recognize the development of the internal situation” in Kazakhstan.
The Kazakh government considers that the OSCE conclusions contain “unsubstantiated and unconfirmed allegations” and contradict the analyses of other missions of accredited international organizations that also observed the elections.
“The content of the OSCE/ODIHR’s statement demonstrates a lack of desire to develop long-term and constructive cooperation with Kazakhstan authorities, which will, undoubtedly, be taken into account,” official Astana warned.
According to data from Kazakhstan’s Central Commission for Elections, incumbent President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev won Sunday’s elections with 81.31% of the votes.
