Kazakhstan votes on building its first nuclear power plant to tackle energy shortages

Kazakhstan held a referendum on Sunday to decide whether to build its first nuclear power plant, aiming to address ongoing electricity shortages. The results will be announced on Monday. The country, the world's leading uranium producer, has no nuclear facilities despite its energy needs. Concerns about the project include its potential environmental impact and the involvement of Russia. Opponents argue that Kazakhstan could meet its energy demands with cleaner gas-powered plants. The government has faced criticism for suppressing dissent ahead of the vote, with reports of arrests of critics.