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Turkmenistan has adopted the Law "On the Unified State Voter Register." The document, developed by the Mejlis of Turkmenistan in cooperation with the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums, will come into effect on January 1, 2026.

The law defines the legal, organizational, and technical foundations for creating and maintaining a centralized digital information system designed to store, process, and use data of Turkmen citizens eligible to vote. Its aim is to ensure the accuracy, security, and integrity of the data, as well as the protection of citizens' electoral rights.

According to the document, the main objectives of the Unified State Voter Register include organizing and maintaining records of voters’ personal data, and compiling voter lists for presidential elections, elections of deputies of the Mejlis, members of the halk maslahaty of velayats, cities with velayat and state status, etraps, cities with etrap status, Gengeshes, as well as for national and local referendums.

The register includes the following personal data: surname, first name, patronymic, date and place of birth, gender, nationality, voting address, and place and conditions of voting. If any data is missing, a corresponding note is made in the register.

Registration in the register is based on the submission of documents confirming the right to vote, including reaching the age of 18 and possessing Turkmen citizenship. The law also provides for the periodic updating of data in connection with changes in personal information and guarantees the protection of confidential voter data from unauthorized use.

The draft law was developed taking into account proposals from ministries, agencies, and local executive authorities, as well as based on the study of international practices and relevant legislation.

The need for the law was highlighted by the President of Turkmenistan in his programmatic speech at the first session of the newly elected Mejlis on April 6, 2023, where the tasks of improving electoral legislation were outlined.

ORIENT

Photo: mejlis.gov.tm