Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, August 15 /Trend H. Hasanov /
Additional elections for members of local authorities - khalg maslahaty (national councils) and gengeshs (local councils) of Turkmenistan will be held on August 18, the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda of Turkmenistan reported.
The elections are related to the emergence of the newly formed etraps (regions) in the administrative structure of Ashgabat. These are the Ruhabat and Abadan etraps.
The elections to the gengeshs (local councils) of the Derweze district of the Akhal velayat region will also be held on the same day.
According to preliminary data, some 20 electoral districts were formed in each of the above mentioned etraps for the election of members of the khalg maslahaty, and nine electoral districts were formed in Derweze etrap for the election of members of gengeshs.
"Currently meetings of candidates with voters are almost complete, as are discussions with the electorate being held at the polling stations during which everyone can ask questions and become acquainted with the various candidates' employment history and election platforms," Turkmenistan's CEC said.
In accordance with the national electoral law, the new version of the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan and in accordance with international law, all registered candidates have been provided with equal rights and opportunities for organising meetings with voters and making speeches.
In May 2013, a new Electoral Code came into the force in Turkmenistan.
The Code regulates relations arising for the preparation and holding of presidential elections, elections of deputies to the Majlis (parliament), members of the local self-government bodies - khalg maslahaty and gengeshs, as well as referendums and establishes safeguards that ensure the free expression of the will of Turkmen citizens.
Consultations were provided by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in the development of a unified election code.