Kazakhstan Presidential Election

The United States shares the preliminary assessment of the OSCE Observer Mission that the December 4 presidential election in Kazakhstan showed improvements over previous ones, but did not meet a number of international standards and OSCE commitments. We assess that this election reflected the will of Kazakhstan’s voters, but note that to bring Kazakhstani laws and practices in line with OSCE standards will require considerable effort as well as credible investigation of irregularities, and prosecution of those suspected of violating electoral law. The United States looks forward to working with the citizens, civil society, and Government of Kazakhstan to strengthen the culture and institutions of democracy.