EU concerned over constitutional amendments in Kazakhstan

EU concerned over constitutional amendments in Kazakhstan

2011-01-22 01:14:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

BRUSSELS (BNO NEWS) -- The European Union High Representative, Catherine Ashton on Friday expressed concern over the recently adopted constitutional amendments in Kazakhstan.

On January 14, the Parliament of Kazakhstan decided to adopt constitutional amendments that will allow, through a national referendum, the extension of the term in office of President Nazarbayev for another eight years.

"The EU strongly urges President Nazarbayev and the Kazakh national authorities to ensure that free and fair elections will take place according to the current Constitution and international commitments," the High Representative said.

Ashton remarked that the EU considered that replacing the presidential election that were scheduled to be hold in 2012 and 2017 with a referendum on a single presidential candidate would cast doubts on Kazakhstan’s commitment to democracy.

In addition, the national referendum would not be consistent with OSCE principles, reaffirmed in the recent Astana Commemorative Declaration. This decision could also cause unrest and demonstrations as well as political turmoil.

The EU expects that Kazakhstan will revert this decision and abide by accepted international norms on democracy in order to allow its citizens the chance of elect political through regular fair and free elections.

Ashton highlighted that the EU promotes that all citizens should have equal opportunities to stand for office and be free to challenge the policies of the incumbent administration.

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