Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, Dec. 1 /Trend H.Hasanov/
The February 2012 Presidential elections in Turkmenistan were among the topics discussed during the meeting between Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Robert Blake, the Turkmen government said on Thursday.
"Blake said the presidential elections are a good opportunity to demonstrate the achievements of democratic, political and socio-economic reforms in Turkmenistan," statement said
The two sides expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries has "a great potential, and confirmed the parties' readiness to join efforts for its full implementation in the benefit of the two nations, deepen dialogue and all-round development of traditional relations of friendship."
Berdimuhamedov noted that the upcoming presidential elections should be organized and conducted at a high level on one of the extended meetings in November.
"Election campaign scheduled for February is intended to be another step towards the deepening of democratic processes, which is a reliable foundation for the successful implementation of progressive reforms implemented in the country today," said in a Berdimuhamedov statement.
Members of the Turkmen Parliament reported earlier that the next presidential elections in Turkmenistan will be based on the Constitution and will take into account the international electoral standards of the UN and OSCE.
According to the Constitution, the President of Turkmenistan must be a citizen of Turkmenistan, born in Turkmenistan, aged at least forty and no older than seventy years, know the state language, reside in Turkmenistan over the past fifteen years, and work in a state bodies, public associations, enterprises in institutions and organizations.
Presidential term is five years.