Today, a regular meeting of the central committee on conducting elections and referendums was held in Turkmenistan. It was devoted to the issues of preparation for the elections of deputies of the seventh convocation of the Mejlis, members of the fifth convocation of regional, district and city councils, and members of the ninth convocation of the Councils. The Mejlis was attended by members of the central election commissions, representatives of working groups created under the central election commission, responsible officials of political parties and public organizations of the country, and representatives of the mass media.
Several issues related to the upcoming elections were included in the agenda of the parliament. In particular, according to the decision of the Mejlis of the National Council of Turkmenistan, it was decided to hold this important socio-political event on March 26, 2023. The Central Election Committee approved the daily schedule of activities for the preparation and holding of the elections. In accordance with the Election Code of Turkmenistan, the decision of the Central Committee on Conducting Elections and Referrals in Turkmenistan, it was announced that the election season will begin on January 16, 2023. Nominations begin 60 days before the start of the election.
According to the decision of the Central Election Commission, 125 constituencies for the Mejlis elections of Turkmenistan, in particular, 17 in Ashgabat city, 16 in Ahal province, 10 in Balkan province, 27 in Dashoguz province, 26 in Lebap province. , the 29th was established in Mary Province. Information about the numbers, names, centers and boundaries of these districts will be published in central and local media. In accordance with the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, in connection with the completion of the five-year term of office of districts and councils, district election committees for the elections of deputies of the Mejlis, as well as election committees of cities, towns and councils in etraps for the election of members of the Councils were established.
Representatives from political parties, public organizations and citizen groups were nominated to the electoral commission. Thus, election commissions consisting of 125 districts and 572 election commissions of cities, towns and councils in etraps were formed. 240 constituencies for the election of members of provincial people's councils were established in each of the provinces, and 40 constituencies were established in Ashgabat city. According to the elections of members of district and city councils, 20 constituencies were created in each of the districts and cities - a total of 980: 160 in Ahal velayat, 180 in Balkan velayat, 160 in Dashoguz velayat, 180 in Lebap velayat, 220 in Mary velayat, 80 in Ashgabat city.
During this meeting, the participants discussed several organizational issues of the upcoming season. Not only national observers from political parties and non-governmental organizations, but also international experts will monitor the election process. In particular, the necessary documents, including manuals, monitors, observers, and various information for citizens of the country were approved, and training sessions were planned for the members of several election commissions.
The participants of the parliament identified important tasks to ensure the transparency and wide competition of the elections. In this regard, it was noted that it is important to activate activities aimed at wide dissemination of the contents of the creative domestic and foreign policy of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, large-scale state programs, political-democratic reforms among the population. Also, information was heard on the activities of the leaders of the provinces and Ashgabat city election committees in preparation for the upcoming elections, and the issues of organizing events at various levels. It was said that an important place belongs to propaganda activities conducted among the population. As noted, electoral commissions have a special responsibility.
Emphasizing that the elections of members of parliament, people's councils and councils are an important step in deepening democratic principles and a reliable foundation for the successful implementation of positive reforms, the members of the central election commission assured that they will spare no effort to conduct the election season at a high level.
During the meeting of the central committee for conducting elections and referendums in Turkmenistan, several other organizational issues were considered and relevant decisions were made.
Source: Turkmenistan: the Golden Age Online Newspaper