Early voting for the presidential elections started in Turkmenistan

On February 2, according to the Electoral Code, the early voting for the presidential elections began in Turkmenistan. This procedure was made available to citizens who had left the country on business trips or vacations and can not come to their polling stations to vote for the worthiest candidate on the election day (12 February). It is possible to vote from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

According to the Central Commission for Elections and Referenda in Turkmenistan, all stages of the election campaign were organized in a timely manner, in accordance with the legislation and generally accepted rules of international law. All 2548 polling stations of the country are ready for operation. At diplomatic missions of Turkmenistan abroad 39 polling stations are open to voters.

In addition to national, the foreign observers will be monitoring the elections, including representatives of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. They all are afforded an opportunity to visit the polling stations of the capital and provinces, both before and during the elections.

Elections of the President of Turkmenistan dominate news headlines. Biographies and policy statements of each of the candidates have been published. The voters can be acquainted with their election programs during meetings or at polling stations. Candidates for the highest state post were afforded the equal broadcasting time by the national television channels.