Berdymukhammedov sworn in as Turkmen president

Berdymukhammedov's inauguration ceremony was attended by 2,487 of the 2,507 delegates. Twenty were absent for admissible reasons.

Central Elections Commission Chairman Murad Karryev announced that 89.23% of voters had cast their ballots for Berdymukhammedov. In all, 2.687 registered voters came to polling stations. Voter turnout was 98.65%.

The inauguration ceremony was held in the Rykhyet Palace. To the sounds of a solemn march, guards of honor carried the national flag, the constitution and the president's badge onto the stage. The president-elect, the winner in a race in which five other candidates were running, took the oath of office on the constitution placed on a pedestal in the center of the stage, and kissed the national flag. The Central Elections Commission chairman and five elders, representing the five velayats, or regions, handed Berdymukhamedov the presidential badge and card. The national anthem was played.

The president, observing the national tradition, bowed to the national shrines. He walked on the white felt cloth - kosher - laid on the stage as a symbol of his future bright path, and bowed to the cloth in which Turkmens traditionally wrap their bread. An elder presented him with a quiver with arrows, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Turkmen people. The president was also presented with two volumes of Rukhnama - the late President Saparmurat Niyazov's book, which he kissed and held to his forehead.

Berdymukhammedov then delivered a speech.

A festive concert was given after the inauguration ceremony. Interfax