21 Mar 2023 14:21

EU urges Kazakhstan to fully follow OSCE/ODIHR recommendations

BRUSSELS. March 21 (Interfax) - The European Union has taken note of the preliminary outcomes of the March 19 elections to the lower chamber of the Kazakh parliament, and welcomed legislative amendments taking into consideration some of the previous recommendations by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) aimed at increasing the level of competition.

"The EU takes note of OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary conclusions stating that further changes to the legal framework are needed to guarantee fundamental freedoms of association, peaceful assembly, expression and media," a statement of the European External Action Service published in Brussels said.

It is important to further remove administrative barriers affecting election campaigns and to avoid significant procedural irregularities undermining transparency of voting processes, it said.

"Looking ahead, it will be crucial for Kazakhstan to implement fully the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations," it said.

The EU fully supports Kazakhstan in implementing ongoing changes, and "stresses the importance of further political and socioeconomic reforms," it said.

"Building resilient democratic institutions and a strong civil society are key steps to a more inclusive and democratic Kazakhstan," the statement said.