CENTRAL COMMISSION FOR HOLDING ELECTIONS AND REFERENDUMS IN TURKMENISTAN
Thanks to the esteemed President’s worthy continuation of the noble deeds begun under the leadership of our Hero Arkadag, successes are being achieved that lay the foundation for a happy life and bright future for our people. Our united nation has entered another wonderful year, one that will write glorious pages in our new historical era – year under the motto «Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses».
According to the Eastern calendar, this year – is the year of the Horse. Another historical period of achieving lofty goals has begun in the Turkmen land, which is considered the ancient homeland of horses as fast as the wind. The horse represents the desire to reach new frontiers and heights of progress.
Historically, the year of the Horse has always been considered one of the most auspicious and abundant. In this ancient calendar, consisting of a 12-year cycle, the year of the Horse – is the seventh. The number seven is considered sacred and brings good luck in Turkmen traditions. Therefore, when choosing an auspicious day (sähet) to begin a good deed, they say: «Başga sähedi bilmeseňem, üç ýedini bilýänsiň-ä?!» Thus, when beginning good deeds, the 7th, 17th and 27th of each month are considered auspicious days.
Based on this, its very placement in seventh place on the calendar indicates that the year of the Horse will bring prosperity to the country and will be a year of wishes coming true for people with good intentions. In our country, which is a historical center of equestrian art, this year is filled with special meaning. It is a worthy continuation of the traditions of our ancestors, who coined the wise saying: «At agynan ýerde toý bolar».
Our ancestors, who revered the horse as a faithful friend, passed down proverbs from generation to generation for centuries, such as: «At – myrat», «Irden tur-da, ataňy gör, ataňdan soň – atyňy», «Aty baryň – ganaty bar». Today, these concepts are worthily developed thanks to the efforts of our Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar.
Declaring the new year under the motto «Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses» has deep meaning. After all, our «heavenly» horses – are the national pride of our people, their wings and faithful companions. The year of the Horse has always been considered a symbol of spiritual uplift and success. Ahal-Teke horses – are a symbol of our country’s great achievements on the way of development and transformation. Their agility is compared to the pace of our rapid growth. This embodies a beautiful unity and deep meaning. The new era of development has become a glorious time for our Motherland and people. We have been set great tasks and lofty goals to further strengthen the foundations of our sovereign state. The enormous work of developing the Motherland reviving and enriching national values will continue.
Turkmenistan will chair the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in 2026. It is worth noting that our country, as an associate member of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) – has already honorably fulfilled this important mission twice before – in 2012 and 2019.
Esteemed President Serdar Berdimuhamedov speaking at the informal CIS Heads of state summit as the leader of the country that will assume the chairmanship in 2026, expressed gratitude to everyone for this decision. He noted that this is perceived as a sign of respect and trust in Turkmenistan on the part of all participating countries, as well as recognition of our country’s contribution to the development of the CIS.
In 2026 – the year of «Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses» – the 35th anniversary of our sacred Independence will be widely celebrated. During this significant year, modern residential buildings, high-speed highways, numerous industrial and social facilities, medical centers and educational institutions are planned to be completed and commissioned across the country. International conferences and forums at the regional and global level are also expected to be held.
Certainly, this historic year is expected to bring positive results in improving the electoral system and increasing efficiency through the widespread adoption of digital technologies and information systems. Also, in accordance with the Law of Turkmenistan «On the Unified State Register of Voters», which entered into force on January 1, 2026, it is planned to hold training seminars for persons who maintaining this register at the local level. In this regard, the Central Election Commission has currently developed regulations arising from the Law, namely the following:
«On the procedure for the creation and activities of special groups for maintaining the Unified State Register of Voters»; «On the form of providing information about voters to special groups for maintaining the Unified State Register of Voters»; «On access to the information base of the Unified State Register of Voters, its maintenance and the responsibilities of responsible persons»; «On the use of the information base of the Unified State Register of Voters». These regulations have been prepared to ensure the proper performance of the upcoming tasks by the groups maintaining the register.
Furthermore, in accordance with the instructions of the esteemed President – Arkadagly Hero Serdar to improve the administrative-territorial division of our country, new etraps were created in the Ahal, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats by resolution of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan. These newly formed etraps will hold elections for members of the Halk Maslahaty, as well as elections to replace those who resigned early from the Mejlis of Turkmenistan, as well as members of the velayat, etrap and city of Halk Maslahaty and Gengeshes.
We wish further prosperity to the great endeavors of our Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar, who provide our people with a prosperous life in a country where beautiful dreams come true and noble deeds are realized, moving forward with generous stride of a horse, as well as prosperity and well-being for our Motherland.
May the year «Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses» be blessed!
Hekimberdi Ovezov,
secretary-referent of the Central commission for holding elections and referendums in Turkmenistan.