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ODIHR conclusions on Kazakhstani elections call into question bureau's work — statement

Earlier, Urszula Gacek, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission, stated that "the 20 November early presidential election took place in a political environment lacking competitiveness"

ASTANA, November 21. /TASS/. The conclusions of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) regarding the early presidential election in Kazakhstan call into question the effectiveness of this body, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry said in a commentary published on its website on Monday.

Earlier, Urszula Gacek, the head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission, stated that "the 20 November early presidential election took place in a political environment lacking competitiveness". According to her version, the elections in Kazakhstan showed the need to further improve the country's legislation in accordance with the OSCE standards. She also stressed that the ability of Kazakh citizens to fully participate in political life remained significantly limited.

"The Statement of Preliminary Findings and Conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission regarding the early presidential election in Kazakhstan held November 20, 2022, 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 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," the Kazakhstani Foreign Ministry said.

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