Turkmen president’s inauguration to be held after CEC final report

Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Feb. 15 / Trend H. Hasanov / The solemn ceremony of the Turkmen President's taking office for a period of five years (the inauguration) is scheduled for Feb. 17, the official Turkmen source said today. Before the ceremony, CEC chairman Orazmurad Niyazlyev will announce the final data for the presidential elections held on Feb. 12. The matter rests in the extension of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov's powers, who gained 97.14 percent of votes upon the preliminary data published by the CEC on Monday. Eight candidates took part in the presidential campaign. The final counting of votes is carried out these days based on the data obtained from a number of polling stations under the Turkmen diplomatic missions and consular offices abroad, namely, protocols that are delayed due to time difference. Berdimuhamedov was born in the village of Babarap, Geok-Tepin region, the Akhal velayat in Turkmenistan on June 29, 1957. Berdimuhamedov is doctor of medicine. He graduated from the dental faculty of the State Medical Institute in Ashgabat in 1979 and then the post-graduate course. He was appointed Turkmen Minister of Health and Medical Industry in 1997. He became deputy chairman of the Turkmen Cabinet of Ministers in 2001. The previous presidential elections were held on February 11, 2007. He gained 89.23 percent that period. The solemn inauguration was held on February 14. Berdimuhamedov was awarded with a presidential certificate and the distinguishing mark in the form of a gold chain with an octagonal emblem. Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az