Members of the Kazakh Parliament have called the referendum
on the construction of a nuclear power plant a historic event, as such an
important issue for the country’s economic development was put to a nationwide
vote for the first time. Askhat Rakhimzhanov, a member of the Mazhilis, the
Lower House of the Kazakh Parliament, is confident that Kazakh citizens showed,
through their high voter turnout, how important this decision is to them.
«This demonstrates that Kazakhstan has taken a clear course
toward strengthening democratic institutions. A referendum is an institution of
direct democracy that clearly reflects how ready the people are to participate
in state governance by expressing their will and shaping the country’s future,»
Rakhimzhanov said.
According to Mazhilis member Yerlan Sairov, Kazakh citizens
exercised their right to vote for the future of the country, choosing progress
and development.
«This referendum reflected the development of
pluralism and true democracy in the country. I believe it not only addressed
the issue of building a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan but also indicated
how the country may develop in the coming centuries. Such matters should, of
course, be agreed upon with the people,» Sairov said.
