Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission has announced preliminary results of a nationwide referendum to decide whether Kazakhstan should build its first nuclear power plant.
In the October 6 referendum, more than 5.5 million eligible voters (71.12%) said yes to the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan.
The Commission said voter turnout was 63.6%, surpassing the required 50% level to be considered valid. More than 12 million citizens were eligible to vote in the referendum, which took place at some 10,000 polling stations in Kazakhstan and at about 70 diplomatic missions abroad.
The referendum was held to determine whether Kazakhstan proceeds with the construction of the nuclear plant in the village of Ulken in the Almaty region on the shores of Lake Balkhash.
Proponents of the project, including the President and Government of Kazakhstan, have argued that the nuclear power plant would provide clean and affordable electricity, enabling the country to put an end to power shortages and maintain low energy tariffs. However, the project has faced significant opposition from environmental groups, who argue that the plant poses risks to both the environment and national security.
