Tribune News Network
Astana
Kazakhstan concluded a significant national referendum on Sunday, with voters casting their ballots to decide on the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant.
The results, announced by the Kazakh Central Election Commission, showed overwhelming support for the initiative, marking a critical step forward in the country’s energy policy and economic development.
According to the official figures, the voter turnout was 63.66%, with over 7.8 million of the 12.2 million eligible voters participating in the referendum. The results revealed that 71.1%, or approximately 5.5 million voters, were in favor of constructing the nuclear power plant, while just over 2 million voted against it. This decisive outcome reflects a strong mandate for the Kazakh government to move forward with the project.
The referendum was not limited to domestic participation.
An earlier statement from the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported that nearly 10,000 citizens voted at 74 polling stations set up abroad, achieving a voter turnout of 81.06% among overseas voters, further highlighting the widespread interest in this critical decision.
Polling stations across the country opened at 7 a.m. local time and closed at 8 p.m., operating continuously throughout the day to accommodate voters. In total, 10,249 polling stations were set up nationwide. The process was closely observed by national and international observers, ensuring transparency and fairness throughout.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who first proposed the referendum over a year ago, emphasized its importance for Kazakhstan’s future, noting that the decision would influence the country’s strategic direction in energy policy.
Speaking after casting his vote in the capital, Astana, President Tokayev reiterated the need for Kazakhstan to leverage its competitive advantages in the energy sector to avoid being left behind in global progress.
In his statement, President Tokayev suggested that an international consortium be involved in constructing the plant to ensure the highest standards of safety and transparency. He further noted that public opinion would continue to be taken into account as the project progresses.
With the referendum results now clear, the Kazakh government is expected to outline the next steps in the coming weeks. This will likely include a detailed project timeline, budget allocation, and measures to engage stakeholders. The decision marks a pivotal moment in Kazakhstan’s pursuit of energy diversification and sustainable development, positioning the country for a more secure energy future.
As the nation looks ahead, the construction of the nuclear power plant is poised to become a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s economic and energy policy, contributing to the country’s long-term stability and growth.