Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Feb.6 / Trend, H. Hasanov /
A meeting was held with a group of experts of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Turkmenistan, the Turkmen government said on Monday.
Turkmenistan is preparing for presidential elections scheduled for Feb.12. The current campaign is attended by eight candidates, including incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammadov, who has taken his office since 2007.
According to the Turkmen government, during the meeting at the CEC representatives of this authoritative international organization were informed about review of the electoral legislation of Turkmenistan, including the new law "On elections of President of Turkmenistan".
Speaking about ongoing presidential election campaign in Turkmenistan, CEC members informed the representatives of the OSCE ODIHR about the ongoing work.
The ODIHR representatives plan to meet with members of the parliament, National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under President of Turkmenistan, State Committee for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, State Information Service of Turkmenistan and heads of public organizations in Ashgabat.
Turkmen MPs previously reported that the elections will be held based on the country's Constitution and "taking into account international election standards of the UN and OSCE."
According to national legislation, early voting for voters, who will not be in the place of residence on the Election Day for any reason, began from Feb.2.
CIS Observation Mission will also monitor the elections in addition to the national observers. According to the report, it "confirms openness of Turkmenistan, its interest in equitable constructive partnership".
"All necessary measures have been taken so that the election campaign was held in the free atmosphere," the CEC reported.
Under the constitution, a Turkmen president should be a citizen born in Turkmenistan. The candidate must be at least 40 years old, though not older than 70, know the state language, have lived in Turkmenistan during the past 15 years and worked in state bodies, public associations, enterprises, institutions and organizations.