Citizens of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands used their Right to Participate in the National Referendum

The Hague, October 6, 2024 — Today, at 07:00 local time, referendum polling station No. 414 at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Kingdom of the Netherlands opened its doors for Kazakh citizens residing in the country, giving them the opportunity to express their stance on the issue of building a nuclear power plant.

The first voter was PhD candidate Azret Kamaldinov, who works in environmental research and natural resource management aspects at the well-known company in The Hague. He emphasized that the issue raised in the referendum directly affects not only the future of Kazakhstan’s energy sector but also the country's ecological balance, making it particularly significant for every citizen of our republic.

Anuar Ayazbekov, an official of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, also made his choice at the polling station No. 414. He noted the importance of the plebiscite as a vivid example of direct democracy. “Participating in the referendum is not only a right but also a duty of every citizen who strives to see their country strong and stable,” said A. Ayazbekov.

Earlier, the Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in the Netherlands, Henk Nieboer, highlighted the historical significance of the decision made by the leadership of Kazakhstan to organize the referendum, allowing the people to freely express their will on such a critical issue for the country's future development as the construction of a nuclear power plant. In particular, he noted that the use of nuclear energy is becoming especially important considering climate change and the need to further implement advanced technologies to obtain "clean" energy.

Throughout the day, over 80 of our compatriots visited the referendum polling station at the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Among them were Kazakh citizens working in Dutch companies, employees of international organizations, university students, and tourists visiting the Kingdom to explore its attractions.

Referendum participants noted the warm and friendly atmosphere created for them, which gave them the opportunity to meet and socialize with one another, as well as with Embassy staff, over cups of hot tea and coffee accompanied by fresh traditional treats, adding a unique national flavor to the important event.