Presidential vote in Kazakhstan revealed similar shortcomings as those noted in previous elections in the country, said international observers from the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE).

“While the election was technically well administered, the absence of opposition candidates and of a vibrant political discourse resulted in a non-competitive environment. A limited field of candidates did not seek to challenge the incumbent,” reads the statement issued on OSCE website.

Observers noted certain irregularities, among which several cases of ballot box stuffing. The observers were sometimes restricted in their observation as well.