ASTANA, Kazakhstan — An overwhelming 69.8% of Kazakhstan’s voters have shown support for the construction of a nuclear power plant, according to an exit poll conducted during the recent referendum held on October 6. This pivotal vote could shape the future of energy in the nation.

According to Trend News Agency, the exit poll was organized by the Institute of Comprehensive Social Research – Astana, which also noted that 30.2% of voters opposed the construction. The Central Election Commission’s preliminary data indicates that the voter turnout was 63.87%, with approximately 7.8 million of the 12.24 million eligible voters participating. Regional turnouts varied significantly, with Kyzylorda registering the highest at 82.48% and Almaty the lowest at 25.39%.

This referendum marks a critical decision in Kazakhstan’s approach to addressing its energy needs and reducing its carbon footprint by potentially embracing nuclear energy.