Insulated Against Instability?

The popular uprisings in Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine may have lifted the spirits of Kazakhstan's opposition groups, but signs of contagion have so far failed to materialise. Indeed, if anything, authoritarian tendencies have become more pronounced. The government of President Nursultan Nazarbaev has prepared a law banning political demonstrations during the period after polls close and before the announcement of the results. In addition, the courts have banned one of the two main opposition parties, Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan. The remaining anti-government party, Ak Zhol, is currently weakened by internal divisions. Another possible reason for the absence of signs of contagion

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