Kazakhstan is actively preparing for the nationwide referendum on the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant. It is expected that over 12 million people will be eligible to participate in the vote. More than 10,000 polling stations will be opened, with 464 of them set to operate in the Kazakh capital starting on October 6. They will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m., after which members of the precinct referendum commissions will start counting the votes. The question presented to the referendum in Kazakh and Russian will be: «Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?»; the ballot paper will also have the response options «Agree» or «Disagree». The referendum will be considered valid if more than half of the citizens registered on the lists cast their votes.
Beissembai Zhumabekov, Chairman of the territorial referendum commission of Astana city:
– What remains unchanged is that every citizen must express their opinion either in favor or against the construction. From the very beginning, it is essential to seat the observers, familiarize them with their duties and rights. After that, the procedures must be properly documented, and the ballot boxes sealed. Before the voting begins, the observers will be shown the booths with all voting facilities.
The difference between voting in a referendum and regular elections is that there are no candidates being elected. Citizens express their opinion on specific issues of national importance. Observers will monitor the voting process throughout the day. As of today, 18 organizations have already been accredited by the Central Election Commission.
Web-editor: Айдана Нагиева
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