Kazakhstan’s Official Referendum Results: Majority Support Nuclear Power Plant Proposal
Kazakhstan’s Central Referendum Commission has officially announced the results of the national referendum held on Oct. 6, with 71.12% of voters supporting the construction of a nuclear power plant. Out of 12.28 million eligible voters, 7.82 million participated in the referendum, resulting in a turnout rate of 63.66%. The proposal for the nuclear power plant was backed by 5.56 million people, leading to the approval of the referendum.
CEC Chairman Nurlan Abdirov declared the referendum valid and stated that the proposal had been approved. However, details on the government’s plans for the construction and timeline are not yet available. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has suggested the possibility of involving an international consortium with leading companies in the construction process.
Tokayev emphasized the complexity of the issue and the need for analysis and negotiations before moving forward. He expressed his personal view that Kazakhstan should collaborate with global companies possessing advanced technologies. Despite the government’s argument that the nuclear power plant is crucial for energy diversification and security, some concerns have been raised by the public regarding economic feasibility, environmental risks, and nuclear waste storage.
As discussions and decisions on the construction of the nuclear power plant progress, Kazakhstan faces a significant turning point in its energy development. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving situation.
