Elections to local government bodies held in Turkmenistan

Today in Turkmenistan elections are being held to the local government bodies, the Gengeshi. In addition, the residents of Ashgabat are electing deputies to the Mejlis (Parliament) of the country in two constituencies, where previously elected deputies have dropped out.

By-elections to the Majlis are held in two districts of Ashgabat, №7 ‘Gunesh’ (‘Sunny’) and №8 ‘Dostluk’ (‘Friendship’). Local governments are being elected in the cities at the level of districts (districts), towns and villages in 6041 constituencies in total.

Voting starts at 07:00 (05:00 MSK), polling stations will close at 19:00 (17:00 MSK). The elections are being held on an alternative basis: the number of applicants for a mandate is at least two people, RIA Novosti reports.

Candidates from all three political parties – the Democratic Party, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party – are participating in the elections, as well as from non-governmental organizations and associations – trade unions, women's organizations and the Makhtumkuli youth organization of Turkmenistan.

Gengeshi in Turkmenistan are the representative bodies of the people on the ground. They play the role of active conductors of the reforms and development programs arranged in the country. According to the Constitution of Turkmenistan, Gengeshi are held to maximize the local conditions and wishes of the population in the formulation and implementation of the plans for the economic, social and cultural development of a particular village or town, the measures for the rational use of natural resources and environmental protection and so on, Asgabat.net reports.