CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN
Thanks to the wise care of our esteemed President, who continues the humanitarian endeavors of our Hero Arkadag, women have been given broad opportunities to participate on equal terms in the political and public affairs of our democratic state. In this regard, Article 29 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan establishes that men and women have equal rights.
As you known, according to the results of the final population census conducted in our country on December 17, 2022, the population of our country was 7 million 57 thousand 841 people, which was reported to the public through the media. Also, approximately 50% percent of our population are men and more than 50% percent are women.
Of course, the fact that gender equality is ensured in our country is also demonstrated by the cooperation carried out in the interests of women within the framework of the United Nations and its structural divisions.
Women’s equality is also reflected in democratic election campaigns in our secular state and their political activity is gaining momentum. If we look at the relevant data, so we can see that the number of women among national observers in election commissions and representative bodies is growing every year.
For example in our country there are 3.395 election commissions that organize democratic elections with a total of about 24.000 members of which more than 42% percent are women.
Another instance example of the development of women’s political activity in election processes is that in the elections held on March 26, 2023, 7.222 people were elected to the Mejlis of Turkmenistan to the members of velayat, etrap, city Halk maslakhaty and Gengeshes of which 2.031 or 28.12% percent were women.
It should also be noted that, as part of ensuring transparency of the electoral process the number of women among national observers monitoring the conduct of elections in accordance with our legislation is also increasing.
In particular, at the elections of deputies to the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, members of velayat, etrap, city Halk maslakhaty and Gengeshes held on March 26, 2023, the total number of national observers was 2.855 people including 1.441, or 50.47% percent were women.
Thus, women’s participation in election events is becoming increasingly high, exceeding 42% percent among members of election commissions, 50% percent among national observers and approaching 30% percent among those elected to representative authorities of power. These indicators comply with the requirements set out in international documents.
Indeed, the creation of all conditions and opportunities for the proper implementation of women’s equality standards in election processes is one of the main democratic principles that is a priority in our country.
We sincerely wish health to our Hero Arkadagly Serdar and our National Leader, who elevate the honor and dignity of patriotic Turkmen women at the international level, longevity and further success in noble deeds for the benefit of the people and the country.
Gandymov Amangeldi,
Deputy chairman of the Central commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan.