The United States agrees with ODIHR's assessment that, following the second round of elections in Kazakhstan, it appears the election process fell short of Kazakhstan's OSCE commitments, although in some aspects it was a tentative step forward in the transition to democracy in comparison with the Presidential election last January.

Although the Government of Kazakhstan improved the legislative and regulatory framework following the flawed January presidential election, ODIHR noted that local and regional executive authorities interfered throughout the electoral process.

Electoral preparations were undermined by illegal interference by executive authorities, unfair campaign practices by parties most closely associated with existing power structures, threats of bureaucratic, administrative and judicial measures jeopardizing media operations and intimidation and obstruction of opposition candidates' campaigns.

There is widespread evidence of falsified precinct voting protocols, precinct voting results "adjusted" by district election officials, and restrictions on observers' access to the counting process at the district level.

Local and regional executive branch officials also interfered with the process and gave instructions to the electoral commissions. ODIHR has still not received any of the official precinct or district vote counts it requested after the first round of elections. This lack of transparency has undermined confidence in the electoral process.

We note that more than 400 complaints about voting irregularities are pending with the Central Electoral Commission and in the courts. The election process, therefore, is not over.

Many of the abuses mentioned can still be remedied if the Government of Kazakhstan has the will to do so.

The head of ODIHR's election observation mission said publicly that ODIHR would be willing to review its conclusions if the Government of Kazakhstan takes steps to remedy irregularities.

We urge the Government of Kazakhstan to ensure that timely, effective action is taken to remedy violations, and to ensure that the courts hear the complaints, and their decisions are duly enforced.