Turkmenistan prepares for local self-government elections

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, August 15 /Trend H. Hasanov / Additional elections of the members of local authorities - khalg maslahaty (national councils) and gengeshs (local councils) of Turkmenistan will be held on August 18, the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of Turkmenistan reported. The elections are related to the emergence of newly formed etraps (regions) in the administrative structure of Ashgabat. These are the Ruhabat and Abadan etraps. The elections to the gengeshs (local councils) of Derweze district of Akhal velayat (region) will also be held on the same day. According to preliminary data, some 20 electoral districts were formed in each of the above mentioned etraps for the election of members of the khalg maslahaty, and 9 electoral districts were formed in Derweze etrap for the election of members of gengeshs. "Currently, the meetings of candidates with voters are being completed, meetings and conversations with the electorate are being held at the polling stations, during which everyone can ask questions, get acquainted with candidates' employment history and election platforms," Turkmenistan's CEC said. In accordance with the national electoral law - the new version of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan and norms of international law, all registered candidates have been provided with equal rights and opportunities for organizing meetings with voters and making speeches. In May 2013, a new Electoral Code came into the force in Turkmenistan. The Code regulates relations arising at the preparation and holding the presidential elections, elections of deputies to the Majlis (parliament), members of the local self-government bodies - khalg maslahaty and gengeshs, as well as referendums, and establishes the safeguards that ensure the free expression of will of Turkmen citizens. Consultations were provided by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in the development of a unified election code. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az