Kazakh Ambassador Idrissov held embassy press conference to discuss elections
WASHINGTON, DC. April 19. KAZINFORM Ambassador Erlan Idrissov drew a capacity crowd of D.C.-based journalists to Kazakhstan's embassy on Wednesday, April 13, to discuss the results and conduct of his country's recent presidential elections and to address criticisms leveled by some observers of the election head on.
Speaking and responding to reporters' questions for more than an hour, Ambassador Idrissov offered his perspective on reasons for incumbent President Nazarbayev's overwhelming popularity -- particularly among the country's youth -- which were reflected in the election's landslide results. The Ambassador also shared the results of an independent national poll, commissioned by the International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Endowment for Democracy and conducted one month prior to the April 3 elections, which reflected that high level of approval.
According to the Kazakh Embassy to the USA, in addition to the IRI poll results, the full spectrum of election monitoring reports by international organizations with varying opinions -- from supportive to critical -- as well as those of skeptical NGOs and other materials were made available to the journalists in attendance.
"I am not going to paint a rosy picture here," Idrissov said. "We have provided for you the entire set of assessments... for you to review and judge independently. The majority of the observer reports were that this election was a step forward." The [Organization for Security Cooperation in Europe] recognized that this election had improvements, but they also came out with a list of criticisms," Idrissov said before responding to questions. "We at the same time also note that a number of other groups have recognized that... the results of the elections fully reflect what the public expressed as their political view for the future of the country."
"I know, in the West, any election in our part of the world causes controversy. Therefore let us address this controversy. We are an open society. We do not run away from different points of view expressed by our partners. We were heartened to see the reaction of the United States... which made a very balanced and forward-looking assessment of the election. I think this is the kind of constructive approach we would like to see on the part of our partners which will facilitate our continued growth."
After responding to journalists' questions on topics ranging from post-Nazarbayev succession concerns over endemic corruption, Ambassador Idrissov invited the more than 20 reporters in attendance to enjoy a light lunch of Kazakh cuisine and refreshments so that their one-on-one conversations could continue in a more relaxed and hospitable environment.