At least, that’s how the authorities try to present this campaign in public opinion - both local and international. Arthur yesterday wrote about the Kazakh embassy’s press release, in which the president, who also heads the ruling party “Nur-Otan”, is called “all-nation leader”.

Here is another example of the government’s campaigning abroad. Marston Nicholson Mayor, a French PR group, apparently, is once again recruited by the government to promote positive image of the elections abroad. Their release called “Democracy on the Move in Kazakhstan” sheds light on the parliamentary elections, recent constitutional amendments and also a section “About Kazakhstan”, which glorifies economic growth, driven by revenues from sale of mineral resources.

However, the light it sheds obviously serves some political objectives, like, for example, pre-legitimize landslide victory of the ruling party:

“Consensus - even amongst the opposition - is that the ruling Nur-Otan party will win the most seats”, reads the report. “I am convinced that Nur-Ortan, which has proved its efficiency, potential and strength, will succeed in obtaining the credit of the people so we can proceed along the chosen path,” president Nazarbayev is quoted. “Nur-Otan will obtain 65-70% of votes”, Daniyar Ashimbayev, a political expert close to the regime, is also quoted.

Two years ago, during the presidential campaign (see, for example, here, here and here), Marston Nicholson provided series of PR materials concerning the electoral race. The firm says it is employed by Kazakhstan for public relations and frequently emails English-language statements on behalf of the government.

Early parliamentary election in Kazakhstan will take place on August 18. Although the Central Election Commission was quick enough to ensure inclusiveness of registration process and gave approval for the opposition’s party list, social-democrats already cry foul in the campaign.

First of all, All-National Social-Democratic party (recently merged with “True Ak Zhol” Party), which represents opposition on the elections, they are not happy with the election commissions as such. There are no opposition members in the CEC; in lower level bodies across the country opposition representatives make up only appx. 1% of election commission members.

Besides, all state TV channels used various pretexts to reject broadcasting of video ads devoted to the merge of ANSDP and “True Ak Zhol”. The agitation campaign has started on July 18 and will last till August 16, and currently the oppositionists also complain that most broadcast media put numerous obstacles to their pre-election ads. At the same time, most of the airtime is, surely, dedicated to the ruling “Nur Otan” party, chaired by president Nursultan Nazarbayev. (more…)