Kazakh students in the UK actively participate in London referendum

As it is currently afternoon in the UK, with London being four hours behind Astana, I am reporting from polling station No. 376. The election commission members are ensuring full compliance with the rules.

Voter turnout increased closer to midday, as Kazakhstanis living in various parts of the UK have now reached London. Many of our compatriots pre-registered and expressed their desire to participate in the referendum, with the majority being students who always show high engagement. Many arrived with their families.

“I came here to study under the “Bolashak” program and for a scientific internship under the “500 Scientists” initiative. My wife is also a scholarship holder. We are very happy to vote in the referendum and travelled from the city of Reading just for this,” said Altynbek Moshkalov, one of the scientific interns.

“We are all participating in the referendum as one. It is a great honour for us to fulfil our civic duty. Thank you very much for organising this polling station,” added another intern, Izgilik Akhmetov.

The embassy is working with local police to ensure the safety of all voters. The polling station, which opened at 7 AM, will remain open until 8 PM. After that, the commission members will begin counting the votes. The results of the referendum in London are expected a couple of hours after the polling station closes. Preliminary referendum results will be announced tomorrow.

Today referendum on construction of nuclear power plant commences in Kazakhstan. The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the II Republican Forum of Deputies of Maslikhats of all levels held on October 3 that the referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant would be a turning point, irrespective of the voting results.