[1] Most observers viewed the election as blatantly unfair, further confirming that Nazarbayev was not interested in promoting a democratic system of government.

[8][9] The main opposition candidate, Akezhan Kazhegeldin, was barred from running in the election, a move criticized by many observers.

[4] Even before the election, groups such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) expressed concern about the short preparation and campaigning period.

[10][11] U.S. vice president Al Gore called Nazarbayev in November 1998 to express concerns about the upcoming election.

[12] Serikbolsyn Abdildin, the runner-up in the election, claimed widespread voter fraud and a failure to properly count ballots.