A former prime minister of Kazakhstan, Akezhan Kazhegeldin, has formally launched his campaign for the presidential elections in January -- despite what his aides say was an attempt on his life yesterday.

Addressing a news conference at his residence, wearing a bullet-proof vest, Mr Kazhegeldin told journalists he did not believe the shooting -- while he was out riding -- had been a serious attempt on his life, but was instead intended to frighten him.

There's been no independent confirmation of the incident and a spokesman for President Nursultan Nazarbayev dismissed the report as a publicity stunt.

However, the BBC central Asia correspondent says the episode is likely to raise concerns about the atmosphere of the election comapign.