The law provides that the Secretary of State shall transmit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate, by February 25 "a full and complete report regarding the status of internationally recognized human rights, within the meaning of subsection A in countries that receive assistance under this part, and B in all other foreign countries which are members of the United Nations and which are not otherwise the subject of a human rights report under this Act.
UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. The Constitution of Kazakhstan concentrates power in the presidency. President Nursultan Nazarbayev is the dominant political figure. The Constitution, adopted in in a referendum marred by irregularities, permits the President to dominate the legislature and judiciary, as well as regional and local governments; changes or amendments to the Constitution are nearly impossible without the President's consent.
President Nazarbayev was elected to a new 7-year term in a election that fell far short of international standards. Previous presidential elections originally scheduled for did not take place, as President Nazarbayev's term in office was extended in a separate referendum, also marred by irregularities.
Parliamentary elections held in October were an improvement on the presidential election but still fell short of the country's commitments as a member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe OSCE.
A law passed in June would allow the President to maintain certain policy prerogatives and a seat on the National Security Council after he leaves office. The Constitution limited Parliament's powers more than previously, notably by precluding it from appropriating state money or lowering taxes without executive branch approval.
