Presidential campaign begins in Turkmenistan
Authorities launch election campaign three days after authoritarian leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announces resignation plan
The Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan ahead of schedule president has started the first round of elections. Three registered in this Central Asian country under strict control political is the process of nominating candidates from the party.
Authoritarian leader Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Three days after announcing his resignation plan, the commission launched an election campaign.
Political parties
Registered parties judge Democratic Party of Turkmenistan and judge The other two parties loyal to the party are the Agrarian Party of Turkmenistan and Turkmenistan Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Party. There is no real opposition party in the country and Existing parties support Berdymukhammedov.
Early on March 12 president The election will be held on February 12. Berdimuhamedov parliament said at an emergency meeting of the upper house that, He intends to step aside so that power can be handed over to “young leaders”. Many observers call it the president’s son Sardarthey interpret it as a desire to pass on.
Sardar in the political arena
It has been rumored for a year that Berdymukhammedov wants to hand over power to his son Sardar. The son turned 40 in September and its already constitution president allows it to be.
Sardar Berdimuhamedov political He was ousted last year and has been appointed to several official positions, including one deputy prime minister. He is also a member of the State Security Council.
If he comes to power, he will have huge energy resources, of course gas Despite its reserves, it will rule one of the poorest countries in Eurasia.
Father Berdimuhamedov came to power 20In 06, he was president for a long time Saparmurad Niyazovcame after the death of flour. O, parliament He did not say when he would resign from the meeting.
Human rights groups have at least once since Turkmenistan gained independence from the collapsed Soviet Union in 1991. free and states that it did not hold a fair election.
Source: RFE / RL
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