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
Turkmenistan Parliamentary Elections: March 28, 2021
Leave a Comment
Last Updated: March 1, 2021 by 21votes
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)
Freedom House Rating
Not Free
Government Type
Presidential Republic; authoritarian
Population
5.6 million
Parliamentary Elections
March 28, 2021
Presidential Election
February 2024 (due)
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
Category: Overview Tags: Turkmenistan