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.