In an interview with AP in Astana today, Bakhytzhan Zhumagulov said there is "no need for violations" because the president has a very high rating. He accused the opposition of trying to destabilize the republic.
Opposition groups have complained of alleged beatings and illegal detentions of activists, the seizure of opposition newspapers and the lack of access to the media.
Zhumagulov also criticized the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has raised similar concerns, for what he said was a "one-sided approach" in monitoring elections.
Nazarbaev is widely expected to win a new seven-year term in the 4 December vote. None of the previous elections during his tenure have been recognized by Western observers as free and fair.
(AP)
Kazakhstan's Presidential Election
RFE/RL's complete coverage and background of Kazakhstan's presidential election on December 4, 2005.
