CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN
For the consistent social and economic development of Turkmenistan, Head of State Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov stresses the importance of the transition to a digital economy in all sectors of the national economy. By the Decree of the President of Turkmenistan of November 30, 2018, the Concept on the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2019-2025 was approved. In order to clarify the main directions for the implementation of the Digital Economy Concept in the sphere of activity of the Central Commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan, we turned to the Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Turkmenistan, to A. D. Ussaev.
— Allaberdi Deryayevich, by the decree of the Honorable President of Turkmenistan of November 30, 2018, was approved the Concept of the development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan. What is the main content of this Concept?
— As you know, this document includes 7 parts. It describes the system of information and communication technologies, the purpose and objectives of the Concept, methods for their implementation, tools and expected results.
The implementation of the concept is planned in three stages, that is, the first stage - in 2019, the second stage - in 2020-2023 and the third stage - in 2024-2025.
According to the head of state, it is important to take the necessary measures to effectively use the potential of scientific institutions, and this is necessary for the development of the digital economy. Today, the digital system is being introduced in all sectors of the economy. In all sectors of the national economy, special attention is paid to the transition to digital systems, the introduction of scientific developments in the industries and production, which has a great importance for the modernization of production in accordance with the requirements of modernity.
In modern conditions, the development of any state is primarily determined by the level of development of the scientific and educational system. It is designed to make full use of the intellectual capabilities of society, to introduce advanced scientific achievements directly related with the using of high technologies, and the results of fundamental and practical tests.
— Allaberdi Deryayevich, what do you mean by the term “Digital Economy”?
— The digital economy is a system of economic relations based on the use of digital information and communication technologies. Digital economy as a universal system of social and economic activity forms an economic model based on the possibilities of the Internet. These are mainly opportunities such as increasing productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness. This, along with saving time and costs, creates the conditions for the formation of new sources of income.
In the digital environment, grows the ability to deliver goods and services to world markets that increases the opportunity to be closer to consumers in all parts of the world. Direct communication mode (online) allows to provide products and services at below market prices. Thus, the digital economy has a comprehensive importance in terms of speed, high quality and affordability.
Also, the development of the digital economy provides an opportunity for economic growth and the introduction of effective methods to achieve high productivity, improve the quality of public services, reduce the risks associated with technological changes in people's living conditions and expand the capabilities of the Internet.
The term "digital economy" was coined by the American mathematician and programmer Nicholas Negroponte in 1995 and is still used as an integral part of the global economic system.
The economy, as a complex and universal mechanism, takes part in the life of every person. It includes production and consumption, as well as forms the demand and supply of the relevant product or service. The economy is inextricably linked with the conditions of public life. That is why introduction of digital technology has a positive effect on improving the quality of life.
The role of the state in the development of the digital economy is mainly divided into two directions. The first is the improvement of the legislative base, including the accuracy of reports on the provision of industrial facilities and legal protection of the company that has implemented the Internet system on the industrial level. The second is the creation of favorable conditions for the introduction of innovative technologies based on the principles of digital systems.
Satisfaction of consumer demand in the conditions of development of the digital economy is carried out as soon as possible and at a high level. For the successful operation of the digital economy, basically, three conditions must be performed:
The system of electronic exchange of information (Internet) and its availability, the legal framework and the willingness of the state in the field of electronic interaction is an integral part of the digital economy.
The digital economy in the sphere of production and services contributes to cost reduction, quick adaptation to market transformations.
The digital economy is based on the availability of information and technology. It opens the way for interaction in new directions.
In recent years, technological innovations have been widely introduced into various aspects of production. In connection with this, are drastically changed the methods of production, the requirements for the level of education and the qualifications of workers.
In the era of the rapid spread of the digital economy around the world, its introduction into the national economy, the creation of the electronics industry, the formation of a developed economy based on the latest achievements of information and communication technologies, the intellectual capital of people, is one of the urgent tasks of reaching the level of advanced countries.
— Allaberdi Deryayevich, what are you planning in implementation of this Concept in the life of the Central Commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan?
— Very good question. As is known, in the work of the electoral system, the implementation of this Concept requires a very rational and peculiar approach. At the elections held last March with the direct support of the national Leader, special video cameras were installed in dozens of polling stations of the velayats and the city of Ashgabat to demonstrate the voting process online on our website saylav.gov.tm.
The implementation of the transfer of electronic documents and letters between the Central Election Commission and the election commissions of Ahal, Balkan, Dashoguz, Lebap, Mary velayats and the city of Ashgabat through fiber optic communications, means that our system already has considerable experience in introducing the digital economy into our activities.
The Central Commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan plans to implement many works of implementing the Concept of the President of Turkmenistan on introducing the digital economy for the period from 2019 to 2025, with a view to further developing the national economy through diversification and upgrading of electronic industry.
— Thanks for the interview!
Interview conducted by journalist A.Akmyradov.