Lithuanian nuclear power referendum, 2008

The referendum in Lithuania in 2008 on the issue of continued operation of the Ignalina nuclear power plant took place on 12 October 2008. At the same time also the first round of the parliamentary election was held in Lithuania in 2008. The referendum was not legally binding on the Government.

Prehistory

Originally, the EU Lithuania had committed in the course of their accession in 2003 to close the Ignalina nuclear power plant. A reactor has been shut down and the remaining to follow next year. But the country was Lithuania against the decommissioning of the power plant. In July 2008, the Lithuanian Parliament finally decided by a large majority a referendum on term extension. Although the referendum was not binding, then the MPs still hoped for a strong argument help. Also feared at the time many Lithuanians that their country would become even more dependent on Russian energy supplies through the power plant closure.

Question

The question asked in the referendum was as follows:

" Pritariu, kad Ignalinos atominės elektrinės darbas Butu pratęstas iki techniškai saugių terminų, bet ne ilgiau, Negu kol bus pastatyta Nauja Atomine elektrinė "

"I agree that the operation of the Ignalina nuclear power plant will be extended until the end of the fail-safe run-time, but will no longer be built as to build a new nuclear power plant. "

Result

With a large majority of 91.40 percent of the vote, the voters were in favor of the continued operation of the power plant. Only 8.60 per cent were against it. The turnout was a mere 48.43 percent. In order for the referendum had failed because the minimum turnout of 50 per cent has been achieved.