Turkmenistan launches 'discussion' on extending president's term
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 15 February 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Turkmenistan launches 'discussion' on extending president's term, 15 February 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/570cdefd11.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 15, 2016
By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service
Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov (file photo)
Turkmen state media are reporting that a "public discussion" over constitutional amendments to extend the president's term and drop the age limit for candidates has been launched.
The state campaign that was launched on February 15 envisions extending the presidential term of office from five to seven years and scrapping the 70-year age limit for candidates.
The changes look set to strengthen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov's nine-year grip on power in the authoritarian Central Asian country.
The next polls are set for 2017, when Berdymukhammedov's current five-year term ends and the president, now 58, will face reelection.
The "discussion" was launched in Turkmenistan five days after lawmakers in another Central Asian nation – Tajikistan – set the date for a referendum on constitutional amendments that would allow the Tajik president to run an indefinite number of times.
With reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website