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.
