New Delhi, Jan 11 (FN Bureau) Kazakhstan looks up to India for strengthening of democratic traditions as a ‘’bright example to learn from’’ and has lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hardwork in ensuring an effective COVID-19 vaccine. Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to India, Yerlan Alimbayev, who was briefing reporters on the Parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan, said his country has a ‘’bright example of India, the largest democracy in the world to learn from, thereby ensuring the highest international standards are met.”
The Ambassador thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the hard work in ensuring an effective COVID-19 vaccine and appreciated the example set for Kazakhstan by India, the world’s largest democracy in terms of handling the pandemic and the democratic system. Explaining the importance of the elections, the Ambassador thanked India for continued support and recalled how India was the first country to offer diplomatic relations to the newly independent Kazakhstan in February 1992. On Kazakhstan-India relations, he said ‘’free and fair elections are a fundamental part for the organisation of Kazakhstan government and in our 30th year of Independence, the upcoming elections are momentous in many ways’’ Coupled with the political reforms such as better inclusion of women and youth voices and more, these elections are not only important for Kazakhstan but also for our extended neighbours and strategic partners all over the world, India especially. The election to the lower house (Majilis) is the first to be held under the Kassyum-Jomart Tokayev’s Presidency and first since 2004 to be held on the scheduled date.
Mr Tokayev became the President of Kazakhstan after Mr Nursultan Nazarbayev stepped aside to ‘make way for yopunger leaders.’’ Mr Nazarbayev’s Party, Nur-Otan, People’s Party of Kazakhstan, Auyl Party, Adal Party, Ak Zhol Party were the five parties which contested the Majilis 2021 elections heldon Sunday.