As is known, in accordance with the decision of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, elections for members of the halk maslahaty in the newly established districts of the country’s provinces, as well as elections to replace prematurely vacated deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and members of provincial, district, city halk maslahaty and councils, were scheduled for March 29 of this year. In connection with this, on January 14, Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums, at which the program of activities for preparation and organization of the upcoming elections was approved. The start of the election campaign was announced on January 15. From that day, election preparations have been carried out systematically, openly, and under democratic conditions.
To assist in improving the organizational and legal culture of election participants in the regions and in Ashgabat, phased training consultations were conducted. Methodological materials were also published: “Guidelines for District and City Election Commissions”, “Guidelines for Polling Station Election Commissions”, and “Guidelines for Nominations by Political Parties and Civic Groups”.
For the upcoming socio-political event, the total number of electoral districts is 363, of which elections for members of the halk maslahaty of newly created districts will be held in 140 districts, elections for deputies of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in 5 districts, elections for members of the provincial and Ashgabat city council in 3 districts, elections for members of district and city councils in 12 districts, and elections for council members due to early termination of powers in 203 districts.
A total of 578 polling stations will be operational for voter participation. To ensure citizens are informed about their voting rights, information on the boundaries of electoral districts and polling stations has been disseminated through mass media. Elections will be held in 43 districts and provincial cities, as well as in 156 district towns, settlements, and councils.
Under transparent election conditions, 624 national observers from political parties and public associations of Turkmenistan have been registered in the election commissions of the provinces and Ashgabat. More than 52% of all national observers are women, and over 49% are youth.
Three political parties and civic groups participated in the nomination process. For the Mejlis of Turkmenistan elections, 14 candidates were nominated; for the provincial and Ashgabat city council, 9 candidates; for district and city councils, 310 candidates; and for the councils, 426 candidates.
According to the deadlines for nomination and registration of candidates, and in accordance with the law, the total number of registered candidates in the election commissions reached 759, of which 312 were from the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, 34 from the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, 155 from committees of the Agrarian Party, and 258 from civic groups. These figures, namely the registration of 2–3 candidates in each district, indicate that the elections are being conducted under conditions of broad competition.
Source: "Türkmenistan" newspaper
