Review of the Legal Framework for Media Coverage of Elections in the Republic of Kazakhstan

This analysis provides comments on the extent to which the legal framework for media coverage of elections in Kazakhstan is in accordance with international law, standards and commitments. It also provides overview comments on the general issue of media independence. These comments are based on English translations of the following laws and regulations: • The Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan of 30 August 1995 (including 1998 amendments); • The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Elections in the Republic Of Kazakhstan”, No. 407-I of 28 June1999 (Election Law); • The Rules of Execution of Election Campaign and Provision of Broadcasting Time in Radio and Television Programmes, and on Publication of Propaganda Preelection Material in Periodical Press Publications of the State Mass Media to the Nominees to the Parliament and Maslikhats of the Republic of Kazakhstan of August 1999 (Election Media Rules); • The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Mass Media”, No. 451-I of 23 July 1999 (and 2001 amendments) (Mass Media Law); and • The Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan “On Administrative Procedures”, No. 107- II of 27 November 2000.