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CIS observer mission opens headquarters ahead of presidential polls in Turkmenistan

Apart from CIS observers, Turkmenistan’s Central Election Commission invited observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the United...

ASHGABAT, January 26 (Itar-Tass) —— A CIS observer mission has become the first among international observers to begin its work in Turkmenistan. The mission opened its headquarters here on Thursday.

The mission will monitor presidential elections due on February 12.

“The CIS observer mission will carry out its activity on the basis on generally recognized international standards, not interfering into Turkmenistan’s domestic affairs. Our task is to promote free and democratic polls,” Yevgeny Sloboda, the head of the mission’s headquarters said.

According to the CIS Executive Commission, the CIS observer mission at the presidential elections in Turkmenistan will be led by CIS executive secretary Sergei Lebedev. In all, the mission is expected to have about 60 international observers from the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Union State of Russia and Belarus, and the CIS Executive Committee.

Apart from CIS observers, Turkmenistan’s Central Election Commission invited observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations.

As many as eight candidates, including incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, will vie for the post of president.