AT THE RESULT OF THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS HELD IN KAZAKHSTAN THREE PARTIES - NUR OTAN (80.74% OF VOTES), AQ ZHOL (7.46%) AND THE COMMUNIST PEOPLE'S PARTY OF KAZAKHSTAN (7.2%) - WILL HAVE SEATS IN THE MAZHILIS, THE LOWER HOUSE OF KAZAKHSTAN'S PARLIAMENT.

In accordance with the Constitution and the instructions of the Head of State the Prosecutor’s General Office has taken all measures necessary to ensure the rule of law in the course of the election of deputies to the Majilis of the Parliament and maslikhats of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The early Parliamentary election on January 15, 2012 took place in a peaceable, calm, free and transparent atmosphere and represents an important step in Kazakhstan’s continuing political development.

In accordance with Article 44 of the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Article 7 of the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On State of Emergency,” the state of emergency in the town of Zhanaozen, Mangistau region, was extended to January 31, 2012, by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan #215, dated January 4, 2012.

The tragic events in the town of Zhanaozen on 16th December 2011 came as a shock to everyone in Kazakhstan, casting a shadow over celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of our independence.

The Embassy of Kazakhstan to the Kingdom of Belgium and the Government of Kazakhstan are determined to keep the public informed about the recent events in Zhanaozen. Openness and transparency are important. Please find below the latest, summarized dispatches from the region. In general, the government is proceeding on two fronts. First, it is protecting its citizens from harm. Second, it is improving social-economic conditions of its citizens in western Kazakhstan where the recent violence unfortunately occurred.

17 December 2011.

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed on Dec. 17 a decree declaring a three week state of emergency in the town of Zhanaozen in the Mangistau Oblast following mass disturbances which left fourteen dead and 75 wounded, including policemen, on Dec. 16.