Referendum – crucial institution of direct democracy

Holding a referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant is a crucial manifestation of the institution of direct democracy. This event marks a step toward involving the people of Kazakhstan in the process of making significant and vital decisions for the state. Members of the European Parliament and representatives of major international organizations share this opinion, noting that it reaffirms the country’s commitment to open democratic values and standards. By giving its citizens the opportunity to directly express their views on such an important issue as nuclear energy, Kazakhstan demonstrates a vivid example of a «Listening State.»

«Referendum is a part of the democracy. Also, we every time supported democratic values in all Central Asian countries. We are very happy that Kazakhstan did a lot of progress in a democratic way, and we very appreciate it, and we are looking forward that you will continue with the cooperation with the EU institution in improving democratic values in your country,» said Tomas Zdechovsky, Member of the European Parliament.

«I believe it is wise that the Kazakh government has given its citizens the opportunity to participate in such a significant issue for the country. We recognize that this is a sensitive moment, and the choice rests entirely with the people of Kazakhstan. As part of the SCO observer mission, we came to Astana to observe the voting process, and not to assess the results in any way. This is our task, and we are here at Kazakhstan’s invitation,» SCO Deputy Secretary-General Oleg Kopylov said.

Notably, alongside the SCO observer mission, representatives from major international organizations, including the Organization of Turkic States, the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, and the CIS, are also observing the referendum in Kazakhstan.