Registration of presidential candidates starts in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan, Ashkhabad, Dec 30 / Trend H.Hasanov/ The registration of presidential candidates has started for the election scheduled for February 12, 2012, the CEC said. The report of the CEC states that an important stage in the campaign, the nomination of candidates is now complete. Deputy Governor of Agriculture of the Dashoguz area of Recep Bazarov, head of the Marygazchykarysh State Concern Turkmengaz Kakageldy Abdyllaev, manager of the trust Nebitgazduypliabatlayysh State Concern Turkmennneft Gurbanmamed Mollanyyazov and Minister of Water Resources Annageldy Yazmyradov are all on the list of registered candidates. All have now received the appropriate certificates. The CEC said the candidates' schedule of meetings with the voters, as well as their television appearances were now being planned. According to national legislation and international law, all candidates will be given the optimum and equal opportunity for meeting voters, speeches at election meetings and conferences, as well as in the media. The Electoral Commission in conjunction with the relevant bodies of local executive bodies and local authorities, heads of enterprises, institutions and other structures are responsible for the organisation of such meetings and appointments. "Candidates for this top office will meet with the voters to acquaint them with their electoral programme and to debate major policies up till the election," a media spokesperson said. A complete and organised readiness this major social and political event will be a big step in the further democratisation of Turkmen society. Earlier Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammadov also ran for president. He has headed the country since 2007. The country's public organisations nominated him for a new term. Mr Berdimuhammadov said recently that the 2012 presidential elections "will take place in a democratic, alternative basis, and based on principles of democracy, openness and transparency". He added that national and foreign observers will be invited to monitor the upcoming elections. Members of the Turkmen Parliament in turn, reported that the next presidential elections in Turkmenistan will be based on the Constitution and 'take into account international electoral standards of UN and OSCE'. This topic was discussed during the recent meetings of Mr Berdimuhamedov with OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zaner and U.S. Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Assistant Robert Blake. Mr Blake in particular highlighted that "the most important social and political action is a good opportunity to demonstrate the success of democratic, political and socio-economic reforms in Turkmenistan." Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az