Kazakhstan began voting in a referendum on Sunday 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.

ASTANA – International observers noted a well-organized voting process during Kazakhstan’s nuclear power plant referendum on Oct. 6, reporting no barriers or violations.

The plan, however, has faced public criticism because of its hazards, the Soviet nuclear testing legacy, and fears that Russia will be involved in the project

Vote comes as Central Asian nation seeks to reduce its reliance on coal and secure a more sustainable energy future

Voting in a referendum to build Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant began on Sunday, with Korea keenly watching the process as one of the four candidates for the project if the referendum passes.

Kazakhstan is the world's top producer of uranium but has no nuclear power plant of its own. The possible involvement of Russia in the project has also been of concern to some. Although Kazakhstan has abundant oil,