Tribune News Network
Astana, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan witnessed a historic moment on Sunday as citizens participated in a national referendum to decide whether to build the country’s first nuclear power plant. This move, promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s government, comes amid public discussions about the benefits and risks of nuclear energy.
The referendum occurs at a time when Kazakhstan, a resource-rich nation that heavily relies on coal to meet its energy needs, is exploring alternatives for transitioning to a more sustainable and less polluting energy system. While many recognize the strategic importance of nuclear energy in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring energy security, concerns about safety, environmental impacts, and the legacy of the Soviet nuclear program remain among some.
At a polling station in the capital, Astana, local voters expressed a mix of hope and hesitation. One voter remarked, “I’m not quite sure about my decision because I have a contradiction. On one hand, it’s a good idea—I mean building a nuclear power plant—but on the other hand, it’s a highly sensitive issue. A small error can cause huge consequences.”
Another voter voiced support for the idea, emphasizing the need to think about future generations: “We are now at an age where we should consider the future of our children. Our current resources are not permanent, and we need to find another alternative for energy.”
High-level observers
present at polling stations
The referendum process is being monitored by a group of international observers, including representatives from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). In a press briefing, Sadı Jafarov, Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States, emphasized the transparency and integrity of the process.
Jafarov stated, “So far, we have not observed any instances of unlawful interference by administrative or law enforcement authorities in the activities of election commissions. The Mission has been granted comprehensive access to polling stations and has received detailed briefings from polling station officials. No barriers to the exercise of free voting have been noted. Our observation mission will continue throughout the day, and we will be present during the counting process at one of the polling stations this evening.”
Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission has reported that over 12 million registered voters are eligible to participate in the referendum, with polling stations opened in 59 countries worldwide to accommodate the Kazakh diaspora. The polling stations were well organized and equipped to handle the large number of voters, and international observers praised the high level of readiness.
Voter turnout and
decision
With voter turnout reported at an impressive 64% of those eligible, the referendum demonstrated significant public engagement in the critical decision regarding the country’s energy future. This level of participation reflects the importance of the issue at hand and indicates a collective desire among citizens to influence the direction of their nation’s energy policy.
Balancing energy needs with public concerns
For Kazakhstan, the decision to build a nuclear power plant is not just a matter of energy security but reflects a broader trend toward modernization and sustainable development. Despite having substantial natural gas reserves and a growing renewable energy sector, the country still relies heavily on coal-fired power plants to meet its electricity demands.
Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its energy mix come at a time when the world is pushing toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. However, for many citizens, the legacy of the Soviet nuclear program, which left lasting impacts on the environment and public health, poses a significant barrier to discussing the issue.
Next steps
As the day progresses, the referendum results will reveal whether a majority of Kazakh citizens support embarking on this ambitious and potentially transformative energy project. The government has assured the public that any decision made will reflect the will of the people, and international collaboration with leading global companies possessing advanced technologies will be sought if the project moves forward.
For now, Kazakhstan stands at a crossroads, with today’s vote determining not only the country’s energy policy but also its commitment to combating climate change and ensuring the welfare of future generations. The results are expected to be announced in the coming days, which will undoubtedly shape Kazakhstan’s future path and influence regional energy dynamics for years to come.
