Observers Report Intimidation Tactics In Kazakh Nuclear Power Vote

Journalists and observers say they were removed from polling places during Kazakhstan's October 6 referendum on building its first nuclear power plant. The official tally in the tightly controlled vote showed over 70 percent in favor of launching the project. The government has backed the plan as an urgently needed step toward clean and secure energy but opponents have expressed worries over safety and possible future Russian involvement. Kazakhstan also suffered extensive radiation exposure from weapons tests during Soviet times.