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2022 Turkmenistan presidential election

Early presidential elections were held in Turkmenistan on 12 March 2022.[2] The elections were called after incumbent president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow announced his intention to resign.

2022 Turkmenistan presidential election
← 2017 12 March 2022 (2022-03-12) 2029 →
Turnout97.17%[1]
 
Nominee Serdar Berdimuhamedow Hydyr Nunnaýew Agajan Bekmyradow
Party TDP Independent TAP
Popular vote 2,452,705 372,525 242,685
Percentage 72.97% 11.08% 7.22%
President before election

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow
Independent

Elected President

Serdar Berdimuhamedow
TDP

The Democratic Party, which has ruled the country since independence after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, chose Berdimuhamedow's son Serdar as its candidate. Serdar Berdimuhamedow was subsequently elected with 73% of the vote. However, the elections were seen by many international observers as neither free nor fair.[3][4]

Background

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No prior elections in Turkmenistan have been free and fair and the 2022 elections took place in an authoritarian context.[5][6][7] The country has been described as a totalitarian dictatorship under the rule of Saparmurat Niyazov and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.[8] The Democratic Party of Turkmenistan is seen as the only legitimate force, with other parties having been founded after 2012 in order to give the appearance of a multi-party system.[9] All legal parties currently support the government.[10]

In 2016, the constitution was amended to extend the term of presidents from five to seven years and to eliminate the age-limit of 70. This was seen as an effort to allow the incumbent Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow to stay in office.[11] Despite this, he signaled his resignation just five years into his seven-year term. On 12 February 2022, the Mejlis passed a resolution scheduling the election for 12 March in accordance with article 81 of the constitution. The son of the former president, Serdar Berdimuhamedow, was widely seen as the successor to his father.[12]

Electoral system

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The President of Turkmenistan is elected using the two-round system[13] for a seven-year term.[14] The minimum age for a candidate is 40.[15]

Candidates

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Image Name[16][17] Party Primary Declaration Note
Serdar Berdimuhamedow TDP — 14 February 2022 A congress of the ruling Democratic Party of Turkmenistan nominated Serdar Berdimuhamedow as its candidate on 14 February 2022[18]
Agajan Bekmyradow TAP — 16 February 2022 A congress of the Agrarian Party of Turkmenistan nominated Agadzhan Bekmyradov as its candidate on 16 February 2022[19]
Perhat Begenjow TDP[20] — 20 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of the Lebap Region[21]
Berdimämmet Gurbanow Independent — 20 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of the Balkan Region[21]
Babamyrat Meredow TSTP — 21 February 2022 The Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan nominated Babamurat Meredov as its candidate on 21 February 2022[22]
Maksatmyrat Öwezgeldiýew Independent — 21 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of the Ahal Region[23]
Kakageldi Saryýew Independent — 21 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of the Mary Region[23]
Maksat Ödeşow TDP[20] — 22 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of the Daşoguz Region[24]
Hydyr Nunnaýew Independent — 22 February 2022 Nominated by the initiative group of Ashgabat city[24]

Campaign

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The campaign stage began on 21 February.[25] In accordance with Article 51 of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, candidates from the moment of their registration have equal rights to speak at pre-election meetings, campaign meetings, and in the media. Bodies of state power and local self-government, officials of institutions, organizations and enterprises are obligated to assist candidates in obtaining the necessary information related to elections.[26]

According to Article 52 of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, each candidate for the President of Turkmenistan can have up to three proxies in each etrap and each city with the rights of an etrap.[26] Candidate meetings throughout the territory of Turkmenistan are held with broad participation of the public, representatives of labor collectives of enterprises and organizations, honorary elders and youth.[27][28][29]

Conduct

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On 28 February 2022, an observer mission from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) arrived in Turkmenistan.[30][31] Early voting began on 2 March, where a total of 41 polling stations were opened in 30 countries.[32][33]

Results

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The Central Election Committee reported on 15 March that Serdar Berdimuhamedow won the election with 72.97% of the vote. University official Hydyr Nunnaýew came in second place with 11.09%. Unlike in prior elections, the preliminary results were not available on the day after the election. Berdimuhamedow received the lowest number of votes out of any winning candidate in all Turkmen presidential elections.[34] Turnout was reported at 97% according to the Central Election Committee.[35]

CandidatePartyVotes%
Serdar BerdimuhamedowDemocratic Party of Turkmenistan2,452,70572.97
Hydyr NunnaýewIndependent372,52511.08
Agajan BekmyradowAgrarian Party of Turkmenistan242,6857.22
Berdimämmet GurbanowIndependent74,6902.22
Perhat BegenjowDemocratic Party of Turkmenistan67,7702.02
Maksatmyrat ÖwezgeldiýewIndependent38,8811.16
Maksat ÖdeşowDemocratic Party of Turkmenistan38,8011.15
Kakageldi SaryýewIndependent36,5681.09
Babamyrat MeredowParty of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan36,4121.08
Total3,361,037100.00
Valid votes3,361,03799.97
Invalid/blank votes1,0150.03
Total votes3,362,052100.00
Registered voters/turnout3,460,08097.17
Source: Watan

Reactions

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General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping sent a message of congratulations to Serdar Berdimuhamedow after the results were announced.[36] Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly extended his congratulations in a phone call with both Gurbanguly and Serdar Berdimuhamedow.[37] The Organization of Turkic States congratulated him via Twitter.[38]

References

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  1. ^ "Serdar Berdimuhamedov succeeds father as Turkmenistan's new president". 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Turkmenistan to hold early presidential election on March 12". Reuters. 12 February 2022. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  3. ^ "As Expected, Son Of Turkmen Leader Easily Wins Election In Familial Transfer Of Power". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Turkmenistan: Autocrat president's son claims landslide win | DW | 15.03.2022". Deutsche Welle.
  5. ^ Bennetts, Marc. "Turkmenistan's dictator ready to collar his son as successor". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  6. ^ Brezar, Aleksandar (12 February 2022). "Turkmenistan to hold snap elections as president broaches succession". euronews. Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Turkmenistan's horse-loving dictator is grooming his son". The Economist. 14 October 2021. ISSN 0013-0613. Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  8. ^ Gore, Hayden (2007). "Totalitarianism: The Case of Turkmenistan" (PDF). Human Rights & Human Welfare (Human Rights in Russia and the Former Soviet Republics). Denver: Josef Korbel School of International Studies: 107–116. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  9. ^ Stronski, Paul (22 May 2017). Независимому Туркменистану двадцать пять лет: цена авторитаризма. Carnegie Moscow Centre (in Russian). Archived from the original on 22 May 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
  10. ^ "Turkmenistan: President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov is awarded the status of Arkadag – protector". Ferghana Information Agency. Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
  11. ^ Constitutional Changes Pave Way for Turkmen President-for-Life The Diplomat, 16 September 2016
  12. ^ "Turkmenistan to hold early presidential election on March 12". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 February 2022. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
  13. ^ Turkmenistan Archived 4 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine IFES
  14. ^ "Turkmenistan: Autocrat president's son claims landslide win". DW.COM. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  15. ^ Bartlett, Paul (11 March 2022). "Turkmenistan election spells change at top, little for public". Nikkei Asia. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  16. ^ Baynazarow, Amanmyrat. "Türkmenistanda iň ýokary döwlet wezipesine dalaşgärleri bellige almak çäresi tamamlandy | Zaman Türkmenistan". Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  17. ^ "Prezidentlige dalaş etjek ýene iki kandidat hasaba alyndy, ikisi-de hödürlendi". Azatlyk Radiosy. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  18. ^ "Berdimuhamedov's Son Nominated As Turkmenistan's Presidential Campaign Kicks Off". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2022.
  19. ^ "Another candidate has been nominated for the presidency of Turkmenistan - the representative of the Agrarian Party Agadzhan Bekmyradov". Perild. 16 February 2022. Archived from the original on 18 February 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
  20. ^ a b "ЦИК зарегистрировал кандидатов на пост Президента Туркменистана от Ашхабада и Дашогузского региона | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  21. ^ a b "ЦИК зарегистрировал кандидатов на пост Президента Туркменистана от инициативных групп Лебапа и Балкана | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  22. ^ "More Candidates Seen As Loyal To Turkmen President Registered In Election". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 22 February 2022. Archived from the original on 22 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  23. ^ a b "Инициативные группы Ахалского и Марыйского регионов выдвинули претендентов в Президенты Туркменистана | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  24. ^ a b "Инициативные группы из Ашхабада и Дашогузского региона выдвинули кандидатов в Президенты Туркменистана | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  25. ^ "Сердар Бердымухамедов встретился с избирателями в Дашогузе | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  26. ^ a b "The Electoral Code of Turkmenistan - Unofficial Translation" (PDF). Legislationline.org. 4 May 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  27. ^ "Кандидаты в Президенты Туркменистана продолжают агитационную кампанию в регионах страны | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  28. ^ "Избиратели Лебапа встретились с кандидатом на пост Президента Туркменистана от Демпартии страны | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  29. ^ "В Дашогузе состоялись встречи с кандидатами в Президенты Туркменистана от двух политических партий | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  30. ^ "Глава Миссии наблюдателей от СНГ Л.Анфимов встретился с Заместителем Председателя Кабинета Министров, Министром иностранных дел Туркменистана Р.Мередовым". Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  31. ^ "Миссия наблюдателей от СНГ прибыла в Ашхабад для участия в оценке предстоящих выборов | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  32. ^ "В 30 странах мира будут открыты избирательные участки для выборов президента Туркменистана | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  33. ^ "Началось досрочное голосование за рубежом по выборам Президента Туркменистана | Политика". Туркменистан, интернет портал о культурной, деловой и развлекательной жизни в Туркменистане. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  34. ^ "Turkmenistan leader's son wins presidential election". AP NEWS. Associated Press. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  35. ^ bne IntelliNews (14 March 2022). "Turkmenistan claims 97% voter turnout at March 12 snap presidential election". www.intellinews.com. bne IntelliNews. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  36. ^ "Xi congratulates Serdar Berdimuhamedov on election as Turkmen president". peoplesdaily.pdnews.cn. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  37. ^ "Telephone conversation between the President of Turkmenistan and the President of the Russian Federation". tdh.gov.tm (in Russian). Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  38. ^ "Organization of Turkic States". Twitter. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022. As Organization of @Turkic_States, we congratulate #SerdarBerdimuhamedov, who is elected as the new President of #Turkmenistan by winning elections held on March 12, 2022 with 72.97% of votes and wish success in his work for the welfare and development of brotherly #Turkmenistan.
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