The Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s monitors have found Turkmenistan’s presidential election consonant with national legislation, transparent and competitive, the mission’s chief, Uzbekistan’s ambassador in Ashgabat, Akmaljon Kuchkarov said.
"The election was held on a wide competitive basis, with civil society representatives taking an active part. Favorable conditions were created for the voters to make an independent choice," he said. "The mission found that Turkmenistan’s presidential election agreed with the requirements of national legislation and international obligations. The mission identified no violations of national legislation that might call in question the elections’ legitimacy. The mission recognizes the just-held elections transparent, authentic and democratic."
Turkmenistan’s early presidential election was held on March 12. Nine candidates contested the post of the head of state. One of the candidates, Serdar Berdymukhamedov, is son of the incumbent president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov. He holds a deputy prime minister’s seat in the current Cabinet. The turnout totaled 97.17%. The Central Election Commission says the vote counting is still in progress. Early returns will be announced on Monday, March 14.
