Officials launched investigation into 28 November blasts outside ruling Otan party headquarters in Almaty, which injured 2. Police initially blamed “hooligans”. Government demanded George Soros-funded Open Society Institute (OSI) pay back-taxes and fines worth $600,000; OSI said charges politically motivated.

Uzbek authorities said 3 suicide bombers responsible for July attacks in Tashkent were Kazakh citizens. Attacks targeted American and Israeli embassies, as well as Uzbek prosecutor’s office. Kazakh authorities, meanwhile, announced arrest of several suspected members of alleged terror group with links to al-Qaeda. Two explosions caused light damage to ruling Otan party headquarters 28 November.

Following disastrous results for opposition in 19 September parliamentary elections (only 1 candidate won seat in parliament), main opposition parties announced would form coalition to contest 2006 presidential election. Possible candidate to challenge President Nazarbayev is Jarmakhan Tuyakbai, who recently resigned from powerful post as speaker of parliament after calling September elections “farce”.

Pro-presidential Otan party won over 60% of vote in 19 September parliamentary elections, described by international observers as flawed.

Authorities granted 2 leading dissidents – politician Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov and journalist Sergei Duvanov – conditional release from prison (though Zhaqiyanov to remain confined in lower-security settlement in north). Move greeted with scepticism; seen as attempt to clean up country’s international image ahead of 19 September parliamentary election.

Press freedom remained hot issue ahead of September parliamentary elections as court ordered closure of independent paper Assandi-Times, and opposition complained media only covering campaigns of pro-government parties. Opposition journalist Askhat Sharipzhanov died 20 July after reportedly being hit by car; colleagues questioned circumstances.

Opposition newspaper Assandi-Times said edition of paper which appeared 2 June was forged, blamed presidential administration. Government hit back with lawsuit. Parliamentary elections set for 19 September.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev, in office since 1991, said will run for new 7-year term in 2006.

President Nursultan Nazarbayev vetoed controversial draft media law after Constitutional Council said bill violated Kazakh constitution. Critics said law's strict media licensing rules would have limited freedom of speech.

Reshuffle saw Nurtay Abyqaev, ally of President Nazarbayev, promoted to speaker of senate, number 2 post in government. Following reshuffle, Emergency Situations head Zamanbek Nurqadilov sacked 2 days after calling on president to resign.