The European Union takes note of the preliminary results of yesterday’s elections in Kazakhstan, for the lower chamber of the parliament (Mäjılıs) held along with the local elections.

These elections took place in the context of reforms introduced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in recent years and in the aftermath of the tragic events of January 2022. The EU welcomes legal amendments that addressed some previous recommendations by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), introducing more competitiveness and providing wider choice for voters. In this regard, the registration of two new political parties, Baitak Green Party and Respublica, was a positive development.

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. Further work is needed to remove administrative obstacles affecting pre-election campaign, and to avoid significant procedural irregularities undermining transparency of the voting day processes.

Looking ahead, it will be crucial for Kazakhstan to implement fully the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. Kazakhstan has the full support of the European Union in the implementation of the ongoing changes, and the EU stresses the importance of further political and socio-economic reforms. Building resilient democratic institutions and a strong civil society are key steps to a more inclusive and democratic Kazakhstan.

As the EU and Kazakhstan mark the 30^th anniversary of diplomatic relations, both have reaffirmed a strong commitment to developing cooperation further in line with the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA).

The EU remains committed to the universal principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the UN principles, as well as international security, fundamental freedoms and human rights.