Kazakh vote tarnished by violations of fundamental freedoms - OSCE

Kazakhstan's presidential election was tarnished by violations of fundamental freedoms such as a crackdown on public protests and voting irregularities, observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said on Monday.

"The election took place in a political environment dominated by the ruling party and that limited critical voices," the observation mission said in a statement.

"At the same time, irregularities on election day and a disregard of formal procedures meant that an honest count could not be guaranteed," it said.