EU High Representative Catherine Ashton's statement on parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan

On 17 January, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton made a statement following the parliamentary elections and congratulated the people of Kazakhstan for exercising their democratic rights on 15 January. 

"I would like to congratulate the people of Kazakhstan for the way in which they exercised their

 democratic rights in the legislative elections on 15 January. I also welcome the fact that three

parties will be represented in Parliament, which is a positive step towards the development of a

pluralistic and democratic political culture in Kazakhstan.

However, I regret that these elections, as noted by the OSCE, fell short of being genuinely

 pluralistic and did not meet key democratic principles.

 I encourage the Kazakh authorities to address the shortcomings identified by the OSCE as a matter

 of priority, in line with their commitments regarding democratic principles and human rights.

 Kazakhstan is a key partner for the EU, and we are ready to continue our support to the

 implementation of further political reforms."