OSCE Permanent Council No. 1417 Vienna, 30 March 2023

1. The European Union takes good note of the preliminary results of the 19 March elections in Kazakhstan for the lower chamber of the parliament (Mazhilis) held along with the local elections.
2. We commend the efficient preparation of the elections that took place in the context of the political and socio-economic reforms introduced by President Tokayev in recent years and in the aftermath of the tragic events of January 2022, including substantial amendments to the Constitution adopted by referendum in June 2022.
3. 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.
4. The EU takes note of OSCE/ODIHR’s preliminary conclusions stating that further amendments 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.
5. The EU encourages Kazakhstan to implement fully the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations. The development of resilient democratic institutions and a strong civil society are key steps to a just and fair Kazakhstan that is more inclusive and democratic.
6. Kazakhstan has the full support of the European Union in the implementation of the ongoing changes, and we stress the importance of further political and socio-economic reforms. We will continue to support Kazakhstan’s reform and modernisation processes, as well as democracy, rule of law, human rights, stability and inclusivity in the country, for the benefit of all its people.
7. As we mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, Kazakhstan and the European Union have reaffirmed a strong commitment to developing cooperation further in line with our Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA). We remain 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.

The Candidate Countries NORTH MACEDONIA*, MONTENEGRO*, SERBIA*, ALBANIA*, UKRAINE, the REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA, and BOSNIA and HERZEGOVINA*, the Potential Candidate Country GEORGIA, and the EFTA countries ICELAND and LIECHTENSTEIN, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.

* North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.