Kazakhstan Secretary of State on "quite a complicated background" for coming elections

Clashes in Mangistau oblast have created “quite a complicated background for the coming elections”, Tengrinews.kz reports citing Kazakhstan Secretary of State Kanat Saudabayev. “Our President personally went to Mangistau, met with the residents and had a difficult dialog with them. He took comprehensive measures to stabilize the situation. This is a courageous and timely move of our leader,” Saudabayev said at the meeting of Kazakhstan People Assembly Council on December 26. “What has happened and what is happening in our country create “quite a complicated background for the coming elections. I think that in such case people will show their wisdom, tolerance and will give their votes to people who support the President’s course.” The oil-producing city Zhanaozen in Mangistau oblast faced a wave of public unrest December 16. The death toll stood at 16. One person died in the clashes in Shetpe village December 17. The investigation is under way. Curfew has been declared in Zhanaozen. The Majilis (lower chamber of the Parliament) elections are scheduled for January 15, 2012.