Kazakh President describes nationwide referendum as a historical event

He told a briefing this day would make history. The nationals of Kazakhstan are expected to make a choice at the nationwide referendum today since a referendum is an efficient mechanism of direct democracy. The Head of State expressed confidence that the right decision will be adopted. He stressed irrespective of the referendum outcomes the state will refer to people’s will.

As earlier reported, the Head of State cast his ballot in the referendum and afterward held a press briefing for journalists where he assessed the work of the current Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

As earlier reported, the nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant started in Kazakhstan today, October 6.

Kazakhstan's State Counselor Erlan Karin took his vote at the nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan at polling place No. 164 in Astana.

He said Kazakhstan and the first and the only country in CIS and Central Asia to hold such a referendum demonstrating the widening of a dialogue between the citizens, society and state. He stressed it shows a new stage in the development of the sociopolitical dialogue and is a landmark moment in the formation of a new political culture.

Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov also took his vote at the nationwide referendum on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan at polling place No.61 at the Palace of Schoolchildren in Astana.

The Prime Minister was one of the first to vote at this polling station.

Polling stations in Seoul and Tokyo were the first to open at 07:00 am local time.

74 polling places were established in 59 countries with 12,307 voters in total. As of 08:15 am, 26 district commissions of the referendum abroad started their work. 48 more are expected to open.

Polling stations in the Middle East and Europe are set to begin their work soon. Voting places in Washington, New York and Ottawa are the last to open their doors at 04:00 pm Astana time and at 08:00 pm in San Francisco.

The primary question that is put to the vote is: "Do you agree with the construction of a nuclear power plant in Kazakhstan?" Kazakhstanis will have the option of selecting either "Yes, I agree" or "No, I disagree." The ballots are written in two languages: Kazakh and Russian.

Member of the CEC Konstantin Petrov said as of 07:00 am October 6, 2024, all 10,249 polling places opened their doors countrywide.

12,244,683 individuals are eligible to participate in the vote today.

200 foreign journalists from 37 countries, as well as 177 observers from 30 foreign nations and 4 international organizations, have been accredited for the referendum.

The results of the voting will be disclosed within seven days.

The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, established the date of the referendum on the NPP for October 6, 2024, and signed a decree on its holding on September 2, 2024. Following this, a press conference was conducted at the Central Election Commission to discuss the national referendum on the construction of a nuclear power facility. Representatives of the Central Election Commission provided an explanation of the referendum's procedures during the conference.