Statement by the Spokesperson on the Presidential election in Turkmenistan

A Presidential election was held in Turkmenistan on Sunday 12 February 2017. For the European Union. For the first time, candidates from political parties other than from the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan and those nominated by citizens' initiatives were able to register and run in the election.

The European Union would pay careful attention to the final report of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Assessment Mission, with its findings and recommendations. Notwithstanding the report's findings, it was nevertheless evident that the absence of a functioning opposition, insufficient separation of powers between different branches of government, and the state monopoly over the media sector had a negative impact on the election campaign and limited citizens' ability to choose between real political alternatives.
The European Union insured that it would stand ready to work with the re-elected President of Turkmenistan to step up its current engagement with this country's government and its people.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Turkemistan and the EU https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/4871/turkmenistan-and-eu_en

ESO: Background information: 16th meeting of the Joint Committee under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and Turkmenistan http://www.europeansources.info/record/16th-meeting-of-the-joint-committee-under-the-trade-and-cooperation-agreement-between-the-european-union-and-turkmenistan/

ESO: Background information: European Union - Central Asia Ministerial Meeting, 4 October 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-central-asia-ministerial-meeting-4-october-2016/

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