CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN

On March 22, 2023, the head of the apparatus of the Commission for holding Elections and referendums in Turkmenistan met with the General Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States Sergei Lebedev, who came to Ashgabat as the head of the CIS team to observe the elections of deputies of Mejlis.

The guest and the members of the representative team were informed about the preparation works carried out by the central election commission within the framework of the important socio-political event that entered the final stage. Issues related to the work of the CIS observers’ team were a special issue which discussed. The composition of team includes parliamentarians of the Commonwealth of Nations, prominent public figures, diplomats, representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CIS member states, the parliamentary assembly of Belarus and Russia, and employees of the Executive committee of the CIS. 

As noted at the meeting, major reforms have been carried out in the election legislation of Turkmenistan in recent years, and it fully complies with the generally recognized norms of international law. A total of three political parties enjoyed the right to nominate the candidates: the Democratic party, the party of Industrialists and entrepreneurs, and the Agrarian party. The citizen groups also nominated their candidates. All candidates have equal rights and opportunities to organize meetings with voters, appear on television, radio, and press publications. 

Important conditions have been made for the work of national and international observers. This testifies that the elections are held in a state of transparency. In particular, with the help of the central election commission, the headquarters of the team was opened, equipped with all the necessary techniques and communication equipment, as well as manuals. 

Observing the elections, CIS observers have already held a number of meetings, including meetings with the heads of the central election commission and the ministry of Foreign affairs. They also got acquainted with the work of precinct election commissions in some velayats and Ashgabat city. On the election day, they plan to visit the polling stations and observe the counting of votes. 

A rich cultural program has been prepared for observers.  During their stay in the velayats, they get acquainted with the natural beauties and historical and cultural monuments. 

S. Lebedev stated that the election season is conducted on the basis of open competition and at a high organizational level, and noted that the CIS observers team will present its final results in a final document on the results of elections observation. 

The General Secretary of the Commonwealth of Independent States took the opportunity to express his pleasure to the leaders of the central election commission for inviting the CIS observers team to the March 26 elections, and wished for the successful completion of this socio-political event, which is an important step in the path of democratic reforms in our country.