Kazakhstan must shake off testing-site past and vote 'yes' to nuclear energy

Oct. 6 referendum is chance for nation to stabilize regional energy supplies

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A view shows railway packages for containers with uranium hexafluoride salt, raw material for nuclear reactors at the Ulba Metallurgical Plant in the northeastern industrial city of Oskemen, Kazakhstan.  © Reuters

Alberto Frigerio is a professor of international relations at Almaty Management University.

Kazakhstan has long debated building a nuclear power plant, with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasizing the economic and political importance of such a move. However, public opinion remains divided due to the country's legacy as a Soviet-era nuclear testing site. To resolve the issue, Tokayev is holding a national referendum on Oct. 6.

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