Kazakhstan votes on whether to build its first nuclear plant

ALMATY - Kazakhstan began voting in a referendum on Oct 6 on whether to build its first nuclear power plant, an idea promoted by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's government as the Central Asian nation seeks to phase out polluting coal plants.

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The plan has faced public criticism on concern over any related hazards, the Soviet nuclear testing legacy, and fears that Russia will be involved in the project.

Popular blogger Vadim Boreiko wrote: "I have come to the conclusion that the decision to build the nuclear power plant, and to build it with (Russian state nuclear firm) Rosatom, has already been made in (Mr Tokayev's office) and the people of Kazakhstan are being invited to polling stations as 'notaries' to authenticate this decision with their votes."

In the village of Ulken on the shores of Lake Balkhash, which the Cabinet has designated as the site for the plant, some locals hope the project will bring jobs while others expressed concern about the impact on the lake's water quality.