2013 Turkmen parliamentary election

Parliamentary elections were held in Turkmenistan on 15 December 2013.[1][2] Although they were the first multi-party elections in the country's history, both contesting parties claimed loyalty to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow.[3] The ruling Democratic Party emerged as the largest faction in the Assembly with 47 of the 125 seats, losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since independence. The elections were criticized by the OSCE, Amnesty International, and opposition groups such as the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights.[4] Farid Tukhbatulin of the Turkmen Initiative for Human Rights said that there was little difference between the two major parties, arguing that neither truly represented opposition groups.[4]

2013 Turkmen parliamentary election
15 December 2013 (2013-12-15)
All 150 seats in the Assembly of Turkmenistan
76 seats needed for a majority
Turnout91.33%
PartyLeader Seats +/–
TDP Kasymguly Babaev 47 -78
TKAMM Tumar Mukhammedowa 33 New
TZB Maýsa Ýazmuhamedowa 16 New
TSTP Ovezmammed Mammedov 14 New
TMÃ G Mämmet Hojagulyýew 8 New
Independents – 7 +7
This lists parties that won seats. See the complete results below.
Chairmen of the Assembly before Chairmen of the Assembly after
Akja Nurberdiýewa
TDP		 Akja Nurberdiýewa
TDP
Politics of Turkmenistan

Background

A new law on political parties was adopted in January 2012, with the government claiming it would make it easier for new parties to be formed to challenge the ruling Democratic Party.[5] Subsequently the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs was established in August 2012.[6]

Campaign

A total of 283 candidates registered to contest the 125 seats in the Assembly. The Democratic Party put forward 99 candidates, the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs nominated 28 candidates, whilst a further 163 were fielded by groups including a women's union, trade unions and a youth union.[7]

Results
PartyVotes%Seats+/–
Democratic Party of Turkmenistan47–78
Organisation of Trade Unions of Turkmenistan33New
Women's Union of Turkmenistan16New
Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan14New
Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan8New
Citizen Groups7New
Total1250
Total votes2,797,637–
Registered voters/turnout91.33
Source: Government of Turkmenistan

References
  1. Jim Nichol (Congressional Research Service) (16 May 2011). "Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests" (PDF). fas.org. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  2. "Elections in the OSCE Area in 2013". osce.org. Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. 18 June 2012. Archived from the original on 8 March 2013. Retrieved 24 July 2012.
  3. No whiff of dissent in Turkmenistan's first multi-party vote Reuters, 15 December 2013
  4. "Rights groups criticise Turkmenistan elections". BBC News. 19 December 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2014.
  5. Turkmenistan adopts new law on political parties in bid to boost competition RIA Novosti, 11 January 2012
  6. Industrialists and entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan established political party Turkmenistan.ru, 22 August 2012
  7. FACTBOX-Parties and candidates in Turkmenistan's parliamentary election Reuters, 13 December 2013
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