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Turkmenistan
- Boundary Delimitation
- Direct Democracy
- Electoral Management
- Electoral Systems
- Legislative Framework
- Media and Elections
- Parties and Candidates
- Vote Counting
- Voter Education
- Voting Operations
- Voter Registration
Boundary Delimitation
BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes
Source: Constitution, art. 63 (unofficial translation)
Last updated: 2007-02-15 08:52:07 UTC
BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
Source: Constitution, art. 63 (unofficial translation)
Last updated: 2007-02-15 08:52:07 UTC
Direct Democracy
DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Hanna Berheim
b. Job Title: Research Assistant
c. Organisation: International IDEA
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level?
Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum
c. Citizens' initiative
e. Recall
Comments: e) Furthermore, the entire Parliament may be dissolved. C:SecIII:Ch4:64 "Parliament may be prematurely dissolved: by decision of a referendum [...]" C:SecIII:Ch4:67 "Within the jurisdiction of Parliament are: [...] 3) forming a Central Election and Referendum Commission;" C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum." C:SecV:95 "The right to schedule a general referendum belongs to the People's Council on the petition of not less than one quarter of its members or on the petition of not less than 250 thousand citizens who have the right to vote." C:SecV:96 "The right to schedule a local referendum belongs to a local meeting at its discretion or upon the petition of not less than one quarter of the voters living in the area in question." C:SecV:97 "Voting in referenda is universal, equal, direct, and secret. Citizens of Turkmenistan who have the right to vote may participate in referenda." C:SecV:98 "The method of conducting elections and general and local referenda is determined by law. Elections and referenda are not conducted during a period of state of emergency."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 64, 67(3) and 94-98
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:11:26 UTC
DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum." C:SecV:95 "The right to schedule a general referendum belongs to the People's Council on the petition of not less than one quarter of its members or on the petition of not less than 250 thousand citizens who have the right to vote." C:SecV:98 "The method of conducting elections and general and local referenda is determined by law. Elections and referenda are not conducted during a period of state of emergency."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94-95 and 98
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation
Comments: C:SecV:95 "The right to schedule a general referendum belongs to the People's Council on the petition of not less than one quarter of its members or on the petition of not less than 250 thousand citizens who have the right to vote." C:SecV:98 "The method of conducting elections and general and local referenda is determined by law. Elections and referenda are not conducted during a period of state of emergency."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 95 and 98
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:27:28 UTC
DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level?
Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
e. Other (specify who)
Comments: e) A central election and referendum commission formed by the Parliament. C:SecIII:Ch4:67 "Within the jurisdiction of Parliament are: [...] 3) forming a Central Election and Referendum Commission;"
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 67(3)
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes
Comments: C:SecIII:Ch4:67 "Within the jurisdiction of Parliament are: [...] 3) forming a Central Election and Referendum Commission;"
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 67(3)
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:27:28 UTC
DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:32:23 UTC
DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments: C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum." C:SecV:98 "The method of conducting elections and general and local referenda is determined by law. Elections and referenda are not conducted during a period of state of emergency."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94 and 96
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:37:59 UTC
DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
f. Devolution
g. Civil service
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
i. Other public policy issues
j. Other (specify)
Comments: j) All important matters. C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
k. None
Comments: k) No issues are excluded by the constitution.
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:37:59 UTC
DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
d. Legislative majority
e. Registered electors
Comments: C:SecV:95 "The right to schedule a general referendum belongs to the People's Council on the petition of not less than one quarter of its members or on the petition of not less than 250 thousand citizens who have the right to vote."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 95
Last updated: 2007-01-06 15:37:59 UTC
DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
c. No quorom required X
Comments: C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election?
Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None
Comments: C:SecV:97 "Voting in referenda is universal, equal, direct, and secret. Citizens of Turkmenistan who have the right to vote may participate in referenda."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 97
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:02:31 UTC
DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:02:31 UTC
DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
a. Always
Comments: a) The decision can only be revised by decision of another referendum. C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
b. Legislative proposals
c. Other (specify)
Comments: c) To decide in any important question. C:SecV:94 "To decide the most important questions of governmental and social life, general and local referenda may be conducted. An act adopted by decision of a referendum may only be repealed by decision of a general referendum."
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan, art. 94
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:28:57 UTC
DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:02:31 UTC
DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
k. None
Comments: k) No such exceptions are made in the constitution.
Source: The 1992 Constitution of Turkmenistan
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:02:31 UTC
DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable
Last updated: 2007-01-06 16:02:31 UTC
DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative?
Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
Last updated: 2007-01-06 14:51:38 UTC
Electoral Systems
Parties and Candidates
PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
j. Other
Comments: a) 25 years j) Qualified electors
Source: IPU Parline database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2325.htm
Last updated: 2007-02-15 08:59:26 UTC
PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
f. Registration
i. Minimum level of literacy
j. Other
Comments: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial translation), art. 29: 2.The contender eligible for nomination and election for the office of the President of Turkmenistan shall be the citizen of Turkmenistan, born in Turkmenistan, not younger than forty years old and not older than seventy years, fluent in state/official language, permanently residing for the previous 15 years in Turkmenistan and working in state structure, public organization or in any sector of national economy and having gained high prestige and recognized deserving to be elected, and nominated by Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial translation), art. 29, 31
Last updated: 2007-02-15 08:59:26 UTC
PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
g. Holding of government office
Comments: g) Membership of the Cabinet n) Certain high public offices. Judge or public prosecutor
Source: IPU Parline database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2325.htm
Last updated: 2007-02-15 08:59:26 UTC
Vote Counting
VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations
Comments: Applies to presidential elections.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial translation), art. 41
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:58:18 UTC
Voting Operations
VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections
Source: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial translation), art. 37, 38
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:56:10 UTC
VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
a. Outside the country voting is not permitted
Source: International IDEA research, January 2007
Last updated: 2007-02-02 10:03:53 UTC
VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
g. Not applicable
Source: International IDEA research, January 2007
Last updated: 2007-02-02 10:03:53 UTC
VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Last updated: 2007-02-02 10:03:53 UTC
VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
a. By manually marking the ballot
Comments: Applies to presidential elections. Voting procedures for legislative elections are unknown.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial version), art. 39
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:56:10 UTC
Voter Registration
VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship
e. Other
Comments: e) Residence in district of registration
Source: IPU Parline database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2325.htm
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:49:40 UTC
VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
c. Detention
d. Mental disability
Comments: c) Preventive detention
Source: IPU Parline database: http://www.ipu.org/parline-e/reports/2325.htm
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:49:40 UTC
VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
c. Local Government Authority
Comments: c) Precinct election committees. Applies to presidential elections.
Source: Law on Presidential Elections, 2007 (unofficial translation), art. 21
Last updated: 2007-02-12 13:48:07 UTC
May 20, 2008 08:20 AM
