Kazakhstan held a national referendum on October 6 to decide whether to build the country's first nuclear power plant. Preliminary results indicate a significant voter turnout, as reported by the country's Central Election Commission (CEC). This initiative aims to address ongoing electricity shortages in Kazakhstan, which is known for having one of the world’s largest uranium reserves.
Voting took place both domestically and among Kazakhstanis living abroad, with polling stations set up in various Asian countries, including Japan and South Korea. Citizens in other nations such as China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and even European countries like the United Kingdom and Belgium also participated in the referendum.
The government announced that the referendum would be valid if at least 50% of eligible voters cast their ballots. In a bid to boost participation, Kazakhs were allowed to vote even if they were not enrolled in the electoral registers.
However, the issue remains controversial due to Kazakhstan's history of radiation exposure from Soviet-era nuclear tests. Concerns have also been raised about possible Russian involvement in the project. In the lead-up to the referendum, local media reported numerous arrests of critics opposing the initiative, suggesting government repression of dissenting voices.
Supporters of the project, like Daniyar Yunusmetov, an entrepreneur in Malaysia, highlighted the potential benefits of nuclear energy. Yunusmetov argued that a nuclear power plant could lower electricity costs, improve energy availability, and attract foreign investment into Kazakhstan.
In Turkey, Kazakh students studying at over 40 universities demonstrated their civic duty by voting at the Kazakh Consulate General in Istanbul. In Europe, polling stations were set up at the Kazakh Embassy in the UK and in Brussels, Belgium, where citizens were greeted with the national anthem as they arrived to vote.
Kazakh Deputy Foreign Minister Roman Vassilenko announced during a press conference that final polling stations would open later in Washington, New York, and Ottawa, with San Francisco following shortly after.
The final results of the referendum are expected to be announced soon.
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