Presidential election nears in Turkmenistan

By Azernews

By Gunay Hasanova

As the next presidential election in Turkmenistan nears, the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda accelerates the preparation process.

Ashgabat hosted the meeting of the Central Commission on November 22, which revealed that as many as 2,578 polling stations have been created, including for those living abroad. Some 39 polling stations have been set up at the diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan abroad.

The Commission stated that the main aim is to do everything for the forthcoming election to be held at the highest organizational level, in strict compliance with the electoral laws of Turkmenistan and international law.

The election is scheduled for February 12, 2017, in accordance with a decree the Parliament adopted during its 16th session on October 15.

Acting President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is believed to be the front-runner in the race, having been openly supported by state media and top-ranking officials.

Three parties for the first time will get involved in the presidential election scheduled for 2017 in Turkmenistan.

In addition to the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party may participate in the presidential election.

According to Article 69, “A citizen of Turkmenistan, born in Turkmenistan, not younger than 40 years, who speaks the national language, has been living constantly in Turkmenistan for the past 15 years, can be elected as President of Turkmenistan.”

Turkmenistan is a presidential republic, whereby the President of the country is both head of the state and head of the government. The country has a multi-party system.

Current Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was twice elected to this high post. During the last election in February 2012, he gained support of 97.4 percent of voters.