Turkmenistan, Ashkhabad, Feb.1 /Trend H.Hasanov/
The mission of CIS is aimed at promoting free presidential election in Turkmenistan, scheduled for February 12, based on the fact that the elections is an internal affair of state, the chief of staff of the CIS Observation Mission Yevgeniy Sloboda in Ashgabat said.
"The mission observes the principle of political neutrality and non-interference in internal affairs." Sloboda noted in an interview with Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper.
"Our mission is to promote free elections based on the fact that the election is an internal affair of state," Sloboda said.
Sloboda noted that all the candidates for presidency have equal opportunities for campaigning. It can be seen on the materials in the print media, television, meetings with voters, Sloboda added.
"We saw the willingness of electoral commissions at all levels for the upcoming vote on February 12," Sloboda said.
The mission of CIS observers visited several polling stations, took part in the meeting of the Central Election Commission, which were "held openly, publicly, in the presence of representatives of public organizations and mass media, where all decisions are made collectively." Sloboda said.
Observers from the European states and international organizations, "which will have an opportunity within their powers as defined in the relevant laws, to observe the election campaign and voting itself" were invited, CEC of Turkmenistan noted.
Eight candidates take part in the presidential campaign including President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who took office in 2007.