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Minister for Europe welcomes announcement of elections in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's President Nazarbayev announced he will call presidential elections this year.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Welcoming the announcement, Minister for Europe David Lidington said:

“I have followed closely recent moves in Kazakhstan to extend the President’s term in office until 2020 without further elections. In the light of Constitutional Council’s rejection of the proposal for a referendum, I welcome President Nazarbayev’s declared intention to call Presidential elections later this year. This is an important reaffirmation of Kazakhstan’s commitment to a democratic course. The Kazakh authorities will have our full support in ensuring that the elections are held in accordance with accepted international standards.”

Published 1 February 2011