Astana, Kazakhstan (DT) — In a historic decision, more than 12 million Kazakh citizens cast their votes today in a nationwide referendum to decide the future of nuclear energy in Kazakhstan.
The referendum focuses on whether to approve the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, a project aimed at meeting growing energy demands and reducing reliance on coal.
A total of 10,323 polling stations are open for the vote, including 74 abroad in 59 countries.
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“Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?” is the question posed to those participating in the vote.
For the referendum result to be considered valid, more than half of the registered voters must participate. Voting is to be monitored by around 500 international observers, though the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is not involved.
Kazakhstan’s energy dependency and the push for nuclear power
Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who supports a “yes” vote to reduce dependence on fossil fuels—specifically coal—and electricity imports from Russia, cast his vote early in the capital, Astana.
The country relies on coal mines for 80% of its electricity generation—a highly polluting sector—compared to the 15% generated by hydroelectric plants.
All polls published in recent days favor the government, which controls the vast majority of media outlets. According to these surveys, the “yes” vote is expected to win by a wide margin, in some cases with more than two-thirds of the vote.
Historical echoes: The shadow of Semipalatinsk
Nuclear power is a sensitive issue in this country, where thousands still suffer the consequences of radiation from the notorious Semipalatinsk testing ground. Nearly 500 Soviet atomic tests were carried out there in northeastern Kazakhstan.
Opponents of the project argue against it on ecological grounds, citing the historical trauma of Soviet nuclear tests, the potential for Western sanctions if Russia builds the plant, and the precedent of military coercion involving the Russian and Ukrainian nuclear plants at Zaporizhzhia and Kursk.
According to official data, in recent years the number of cancer patients has risen by 25-30%, reaching 36,000 annually. Furthermore, the average age of those affected has significantly decreased.
International involvement: competing for Kazakhstan’s nuclear Future
In any case, analysts believe the decision to build the plant near Lake Balkhash has already been made. They say the referendum is merely a means of legitimizing it.
The same is likely true for the winner of the international tender, Russian consortium Rosatom, which is competing against China’s CNNC, South Korea’s KHNP, and France’s EDF.
Tokayev’s role and the political landscape
When announcing the referendum, Tokayev referred to the “listening state” program. However, according to human rights organizations, at least 26 activists opposed to the nuclear plant have been arrested or detained, some allegedly for planning protests and street disturbances. EFE
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