Elections of the Mejlis deputies, members of the People’s councils and gengeshys to be held on March 25

Turkmenistan is about to make new important step toward the consolidation of democratic principles in Turkmen society, further development of primordial traditions of people’s power, which Turkmen nation followed throughout the millenniums and which triumphs in new historical age. On March 25, all polling stations will open its doors for Turkmen citizens who will have to use their constitutional right and serve their civic duty electing the most deserving representatives to the Mejlis, representative bodies of local executive power and administration.

Level of social and political outlook and awareness ouf our countrymen as the creators of their own future, the future of the nation and the State is constantly growing together with unprecedented economic development and increment of the wealth of the population.

In addition to the Mejlis deputies, political system of the country, which is based on immutable democratic principles, gives special role to such structures as velayat, etrap and city People’s councils as well as to Gengeshys – local government adminstrations that unite most reputable and socially active members f the society.

President of turkmenistan gurbanguly berdimuhamedov highlights that current elections herald new stage of democratic changes.

The Central Committee for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan informed that large-scale work has been done including the involvement of the representatives of all levels of government authorities, political parties and non-governmental organizations for the preparation period to current election campaign. Preparation to the elections has been carried in strict compliance with existing Election Code and international law.

Today, full readiness is announced at all polling stations of the country. Every station was provided with clear ballot boxes including with portable ones, ballot bulletins and all other necessary reference books beforehand. Premises equipped with special cabins were allocated for the voting process. Every polling station is provided with reliable communication and transportation. Online broadcasting from certain polling stations on the day of the elections is a novelty of current elections recommended by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It indicates maximum transparency of the electoral process as well as the intent to use advanced technologies.

District election committees consisting of competent representatives of political parties, labour group and non-governmental organizations approached their duties with special responsibility. Local activists carried out wide explanatory work among the population. Moreover, people who by some reason would not be able to vote on the day of the elections used their right and to vote early. Filled ballot papers will be kept in special sealed boxes until the vote counting.

Meetings of the candidates with electorate were held in accordance with set and coordinated schedule. Mass media was informing on time and place in advance. At the same time, it is important that all candidates had equal conditions and opportunities for the election campaign.

Participation of more than 4,000 national observers who had special training will provide the transparency and impartiality of the electoral process.

Speaking of coming important political event, it is worth highlighting that following international principles of transparency and publicity of the election campigns Turkmenistan has invited the representative of international community for the monitoring of the process. The CIS Observers Mission and the experts of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights came to Turkemnistan.

Therefore, one of important phases of deputies’ election campaign – the promotional one, has been completed in the country in accordance with existing legislation. On Sunday March 25 from 00700 to 1900, the voting will take place in all polling stations including those that were opened at diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan abroad.