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Tuesday, 02 November 2004
OPPOSITION PARTY GIVES UP SEAT IN PARLIAMENT
By empty (11/2/2004 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Alikhan Baimenov, co-chairman of the opposition party Ak Zhol, announced on 2 November that his party is giving up its single party-slate seat in the Mazhilis (lower chamber of parliament) to protest violations in the course of 19 September elections. \"Our party has never entertained any illusions about the desire and ability of the current authorities to hold these elections on the basis of fair and honest competition. But the extent of violations and falsifications exceeded our most negative expectations,\" an Ak Zhol press release said.
Alikhan Baimenov, co-chairman of the opposition party Ak Zhol, announced on 2 November that his party is giving up its single party-slate seat in the Mazhilis (lower chamber of parliament) to protest violations in the course of 19 September elections. \"Our party has never entertained any illusions about the desire and ability of the current authorities to hold these elections on the basis of fair and honest competition. But the extent of violations and falsifications exceeded our most negative expectations,\" an Ak Zhol press release said. Ten of the 77 seats in the Mazhilis were apportioned on the basis of party slates, with Ak Zhol receiving one. Overall, pro-presidential parties garnered an overwhelming majority of seats in parliament. (Kazakhstan Today)