Turkmen leader secures third term in presidential election

Turkmenistan's incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov secured his third term in Sunday's presidential election with a landslide victory, according to preliminary data released on Monday by the country's Central Election Commission (CEC).

More than 3 million people voted for Berdymukhamedov, accounting for nearly 97.7 percent of the votes, reported RIA Novosti agency citing the CEC.

The CEC also said the poll had a turnout of over 97 percent.

International observers confirmed that the election was held transparently and no violation was registered, according to TASS.

Eight other contenders, nominated by political parties or groups of citizens, competed with 59-year-old Berdymukhamedov.

Turkmenistan amended its constitution in 2016, extending the presidential term from five to seven years and removing the 70-year age limit for presidential candidates.

Berdymukhamedov took power in 2006 following the death of former President Saparmurat Niyazov, a strongman who had led the central Asian country for two decades. Berdymukhamedov was re-elected in 2012 garnering over 97 percent of the votes.

Source: Xinhua