Turkmenistan Parliamentary Elections: March 28, 2021


Ruhyýet Palace in Ashgabat, the building where Turkmenistan’s major state events take place. Elections in Turkmenistan have never been free or fair. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Kerri-Jo Stewart (CC BY 2.0)  

KEY FACTS
Freedom House Rating

Not Free
Government Type
Presidential Republic; authoritarian
Population
5.6 million
UPCOMING ELECTIONS
Parliamentary Elections
March 28, 2021
Presidential Election
February 2024 (due)
PAST ELECTIONS
Parliamentary Elections
March 25, 2018
Presidential Election
February 12, 2017

Turkmenistan is due to hold parliamentary elections on March 28, 2021.

Political Context

Turkmenistan is a highly repressive state that has never held free or fair elections. Longtime dictator Saparmurat Niyazov, nicknamed Turkmenbashi, was known for his outlandish behavior, including renaming the months of the year after his family members, before his death in 2006. His successor, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, is equally repressive and equally bizarre. The country lacks a genuine political opposition.

Curated News and Analysis

Catherine Putz, The Diplomat (February 13, 2021): Son of Turkmenistan’s President Gets New Post

Helen Regan and Reuters, CNN (November 13, 2020): Turkmenistan’s authoritarian leader unveils huge golden dog statue in the capital

Bruce Pannier, RFE/RL (March 21, 2018): Turkmen Elections Look Like Next Step Toward Dynasty

Updated March 1, 2021

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