Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan.16 / Trend K.Konyrova /
OSCE reports about shortcomings in the Kazakh elections, the statement was made at a press conference of OSCE observers in Astana.
"These elections do not comply with basic democratic principles," OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission head Miklós Haraszti said.
He said that the right to free assembly, debates was restricted in Kazakhstan. There was no editorial independence in media.
"We have noticed a limited competition," he said. "A number of parties did not have an opportunity to register. The cancellation of the registration occurred voluntarily, which could be applied to other parties."
He said that besides the state party, two more parties joined the parliament. The results of the elections can be characterized as controlled elections.
"We observed the elections," he said. "There is no problem with a technical level. There is a lack of political will, which ensures the civil society to develop democratically."
Kazakh parliamentary elections were held on Jan.15. According to preliminary data of the Kazakh CEC, the ruling party Nur Otan received 80.74 per cent of the votes, Ak Zhol - 7.46 per cent, while the Communist Party - 7.2 per cent in the elections of members of the Kazakh Majilis.
OSCE reports about violations in Kazakh parliamentary elections (UPDATE)
Parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan do not meet the main democratic principles. Restriction of freedom of assembly was observed and debates were limited
