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Today, the head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov held an expanded meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, which reviewed the results of the most important social and political event that took place in the country - the elections of the President of Turkmenistan held on an alternative basis.
After announcing the agenda, the leader of the nation was the first to give the floor to the Chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan G. Myradov, who informed about the results of the nationwide presidential elections held on March 12th this year.
Reporting on the large-scale work done to prepare and organize this campaign, based on the decision taken on February 11th, 2022 at a meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, the head of the Central Election Commission said that in general, 2,618 polling stations were created, including 41 diplomatic missions and consular offices of Turkmenistan in foreign countries.
At the same time, 2,726 observers were registered from the Democratic Party, the Agrarian Party and the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, public organizations, initiative groups of citizens, as well as representatives of candidates for the highest state post.
In order to hold popular elections at a high level, special seminars were organized by the OSCE Center in Ashgabat, the Permanent Mission in Turkmenistan of the UN Development Program for representatives of state structures participating in the electoral process of the country.
In accordance with Article 44 of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, the Central Election Commission registered three representatives from political parties, and, according to Article 46, six representatives from initiative groups of citizens. In total, the number of candidates for the highest state post was 9 people.
Preparations for the elections were widely covered in the national media, including special broadcasts on the rights of voters, the provisions on the preparations for the elections, which were conducted on the principles of openness, transparency and democracy, were explained. In addition, regular reports from the meetings of the Central Election Commission were published in the media.
The voting process in Ashgabat and the country's velayats was broadcast online on the website of the Central Election Commission saylav.gov.tm.
In accordance with the Electoral Code of the country, the elections of the President of Turkmenistan, which took place on March 12, 2022 from 7 am to 7 pm at all polling stations in the capital and regions, are considered valid.
According to the legislation, the elections were held in accordance with generally accepted international norms of electoral law, established by the provisions on holding elections on a democratic basis, on the principles of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot and free will, on an alternative basis.
During briefings with media representatives, the heads of observer groups from authoritative international organizations stated that the elections were held in a calm atmosphere, in conditions of openness and transparency, in accordance with the procedure established by law. This became evidence of the commitment of our state to the democratic path of development.
While in Turkmenistan, 75 members of international and independent groups of observers were able to get acquainted in detail with the work carried out in our country within the framework of the national electoral legislation, and they also had the opportunity to meet with members of election commissions, candidates nominated by political parties, initiative groups of citizens, proxies of candidates for the highest state post and voters.
In general, the leaders of the observer groups noted that the elections in Turkmenistan were organized on a broad democratic and alternative basis. Particular emphasis was placed on the high activity of the electorate.
Then the results of the popular vote were announced. In general, out of 3 million 460 thousand and 80 voters in Turkmenistan, a total of 3 million 362 thousand 52 people voted, or 97.17 percent visited the polling stations.
As a result of the elections, Perkhat Begenjov won 2.02 percent of the vote, Agadzhan Bekmyradov - 7.22 percent, Serdar Berdimuhamedov - 72.97 percent, Berdymammet Gurbanov - 2.22 percent, Babamyrat Meredov - 1.08 percent, Khidir Nunnaev - 11.09 percent percent, Maksat Odeshov - 1.15 percent, Maksatmyrat Ovezgeldiev - 1.16 percent, and Kakageldi Sariyev - 1.09 percent.
In accordance with the Resolution adopted at the final meeting of the Central Election Commission on March 14 this year and with Article 76 of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, the candidate - Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov, who won the absolute majority of votes (72.97 percent), was recognized as the elected President of Turkmenistan.
Addressing the chairman of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan, the head of state asked if any shortcomings were revealed during the election campaign.
According to the head of the Central Election Commission, the elections were held on the basis of the democratic principles of free expression of will inherent in the Turkmen people, universally recognized suffrage, through secret ballot.
The leader of the nation also asked a question about the comments and suggestions made by international observers.
As the chairman of the Central Election Commission informed, in general, a group of international observers stated with satisfaction that the elections in Turkmenistan were held at a high organizational level, on a democratic and alternative basis. They especially noted the fact of electoral activity of the electorate. There were no comments.
Continuing the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan instructed the head of the Central Election Commission, on behalf of the Cabinet of Ministers, to express gratitude to everyone who took an active part in the preparation and conduct of the elections. At the same time, an order was given to analyze in detail the entire course of preparation and conduct of the elections, and in case of shortcomings in their organization during the current campaign or lagging behind international experience in this area, in the near future, provide relevant proposals in order to formalize them in law.
Then the Chairwoman of the Mejlis Milli Gengesh G. Mammedova informed that in the year passing under the motto “The era of the people with Arkadag”, large-scale work is being carried out to implement cardinal socio-economic and democratic reforms in the country. The elections of the President of Turkmenistan held on March 12th this year once again confirmed the unity, cohesion of society, the invariable commitment of our state to the age-old democratic principles.
Speaking about the significance of the historic decision taken by the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at a meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh of Turkmenistan, that the young modern generation capable of thinking in a new way should be given a way in public administration, the head of the national parliament noted that this was a manifestation of political will.
Particular emphasis was placed on the fact that President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was widely recognized as a prominent state and political figure of our time, a national leader, demonstrating a vivid example of serving the people and his native Motherland.
As was emphasized, on the election day, the head of Turkmenistan, together with his mother Ogulabat eje, fulfilled their civic duty - they voted for the most worthy candidate for the highest state post, which caused a great resonance not only in the country, but throughout the world. This has become the personification of great reverence for the older generation, family values, the dignity of mothers, who are surrounded in our country with special attention and care.
On behalf of the deputies of the Mejlis Milli Gengesh, cordially congratulating Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov on the confident victory in the national elections held on March 12th this year, the chairwoman of the national parliament wished great success to the newly elected President of Turkmenistan in continuing the state course pursued by Hero-Arkadag, aimed at leading our Motherland to new frontiers of development.
Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov, who then spoke, noted that reforms aimed at large-scale development in the political, economic and social spheres are being implemented at a dynamic pace in an independent, permanently neutral country. In this context, it was emphasized that as a result of the policy pursued by the leader of the nation, a democratic, legal, secular state and civil society have been formed on the basis of the Constitution of Turkmenistan.
The Vice Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of the political statement of the President of the country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty on creating the necessary conditions and opportunities for the wide participation of the young generation of leaders in the management of state affairs in Turkmenistan, based on centuries-old customs, traditions, rich cultural and spiritual heritage people.
Continuing the extended meeting, the Deputy Head of Government, the head of the Foreign Ministry informed that correspondents from foreign media - ITAR-TASS, Associated Press, Frans Press, NCA, “Reuters”, TV and radio companies “TRT”, “TRT World”, online newspaper “Turkmenistan.ru”, newspaper “Zaman”, magazine “Atawatan Türkmenistan” and others took part in the coverage of the socio-political campaign.
A report was also made on the conditions created for the citizens of Turkmenistan to exercise their constitutional rights abroad in the elections of the President of the country.
In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on behalf of the Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, all Turkmen diplomats, foreign friends of our country and international partners congratulated Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov on his convincing victory and election to the post of President of Turkmenistan, wishing him good health, longevity and achievement of great success in responsible activities of national and international importance.
The Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Foreign Ministry assured that the members of the government would continue to make every effort to implement the adopted national strategies and programs, to solve all the specific tasks aimed at further prosperity of the Fatherland and the well-being of the people.
Then, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan Ch. Amanov reported that comprehensive measures had been taken in order to hold an important political event, the election of the President of Turkmenistan on March 12th this year, at the proper level. With close coordination of law enforcement agencies, practical steps were taken to maintain calm and stability in the country, ensure law and order in all regions and the capital, and comply with fire safety rules at all polling stations.
Continuing the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, the head of state expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan, national and international observers for organizing this social and political event in accordance with international requirements and at a high level in conditions of openness and publicity, to all compatriots who took part in the successful conduct of the elections.
Then, the newly elected head of state, warmly thanking the audience for the congratulations and kind words, made a short speech.
Addressing the citizens of the independent neutral Motherland, President Serdar Gurbangulyevich Berdimuhamedov expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all compatriots who took an active part in the elections and cast their votes for him.
Noting the great work done by the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to strengthen the economic power of independent, permanently neutral Turkmenistan, increase its international prestige, the newly elected President of the country emphasized that at the new historical stage in the development of the Fatherland – “The revival of a new era of a powerful state” there are big tasks that have been set out in detail in the program “Revival of a new era of a powerful state: the National program for the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan in 2022-2052” adopted at the historic meeting of the Halk Maslakhaty Milli Gengesh.
The newly elected President of the country, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, assured the audience and all Turkmen citizens that he would use all his strength, abilities, knowledge and experience to justify the high trust placed in him. In this regard, it was noted that work will be carried out aimed at ensuring peace and security of independent, neutral Turkmenistan, promoting the triumph of peace and mutual understanding on the planet, as well as the prosperity of the Fatherland and ensuring a prosperous and happy life for the people.
Then the leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov heartily congratulated the newly elected head of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov on his victory in the presidential elections held in accordance with the country's legislation and generally accepted norms of international law, on an alternative basis, in conditions of transparency and openness.
As emphasized, this victory is the result of the trust shown by the people. And the trust of people is sacred and must be justified.
To do this, first of all, you need to love the Fatherland and your native people immensely, to live, constantly showing concern for the people, to direct all efforts to protect their interests. If necessary, he must be ready to give his life for his Motherland and people, the leader of the nation said, expressing firm confidence that the new President of Turkmenistan would justify this trust.
Wishing health, longevity, success in multilateral activities to ensure a happy life for every citizen of Turkmenistan, every family, all the people of the country, as well as the further prosperity of an independent, permanently neutral Fatherland, Arkadag stressed that only good luck should accompany the implementation of tasks for the benefit of the people.
During a break announced at an extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, the head of state held a meeting with the participation of vice-premiers, at which issues related to the report of the chairman of the Central Commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan on the results of the elections of the President of Turkmenistan were considered.
Particular attention was focused on the upcoming inauguration ceremony of the President of Turkmenistan, which is to be held in the capital's Rukhyet Palace on March 19 this year. The organized holding of this significant political event in the life of the country in an atmosphere of openness demonstrates that the democratic transformations taking place in the Turkmen society are closely intertwined with the age-old national principles of democracy.
In this context, in order to comprehensively prepare for the inauguration ceremony of the President of Turkmenistan and hold it at a high organizational level, the leader of the nation raised issues related to the creation of the State Commission, as well as the plan of events planned for implementation on the occasion of this celebration.
After the break, the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council continued.
Addressing the members of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, the leader of the nation noted that on March 19th, the inauguration ceremony of the President of Turkmenistan would be held at the Ruhyet Palace. In this context, the creation of the State Commission for the preparation and holding of the solemn event at the highest level was announced, and a Resolution was signed to approve its composition and the corresponding action plan.
At the end of the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers and the State Security Council, Arkadag wished everyone good health, family well-being, great success in the work carried out for the benefit of the prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.
