ALMATY -- It was meant to be the election that ushered in a new Kazakhstan. Instead, last Sunday's vote resulted in an old-style parliament consisting of parties and deputies loyal to the president with no effective critical voices.
Election marred by uneven playing field, apathy and allegations of irregularities
A voter casts her ballot during Kazakhstan's parliamentary election on March 19. © Reuters
ALMATY -- It was meant to be the election that ushered in a new Kazakhstan. Instead, last Sunday's vote resulted in an old-style parliament consisting of parties and deputies loyal to the president with no effective critical voices.