Turkmenistan, a tightly controlled authoritarian state in Central Asia, saw significant developments in 2023 that further restricted political rights and civil liberties. This article will examine the key legal and governmental changes, restrictions on political rights, and the general repressive environment that characterizes Turkmenistan today.

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Major Developments in 2023

In early 2023, a series of constitutional amendments restructured Turkmenistan’s legislative framework. Previously the upper legislative chamber, the People’s Council, or Khalk Maslahaty, was elevated to a “supreme” governing body above the country’s unicameral parliament, the Majlis. Former President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was appointed to chair the People’s Maslahaty. This move effectively positioned him as the “leader of the nation” and exempted him from prosecution. His family also gained immunity, and the Council was given the authority to intervene in national politics.

In addition, the growing personality cult around Berdimuhamedov was institutionalized in 2023. In a measure that demonstrated the deep family control over Turkmenistan’s political apparatus, his portrait was required to be displayed in all public spaces along with that of his son, current President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Political Rights and Electoral System
Electoral Process

The president in Turkmenistan is not elected through free and fair elections. Since 2016, the presidential term has been extended from five to seven years, and there is no limit to the number of terms a president can serve. Serdar Berdimuhamedov succeeded his father in an uncontested election in 2022. Constitutional amendments in 2023 reduced the president’s role in politics, positioning the People’s Assembly and its chairman Gurbanguly as the highest authority in Turkmenistan.

The March 2023 parliamentary elections were similarly tightly controlled, with all seats won by pro-regime parties. Observers, including the OSCE, have noted that Turkmenistan’s elections did not meet democratic standards and lacked genuine competition.

Political Pluralism and Participation

Turkmenistan’s political system does not offer genuine pluralism. The ruling Democratic Party of Turkmenistan (DPT) dominates, and opposition groups are illegal or forced into exile. While the law formally allows for the establishment of independent parties, it is rarely enforced fairly, allowing only state-sanctioned parties to operate, such as the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and the Agrarian Party, both directly affiliated with the DPT.

Civil Liberties
Freedom of Expression and Belief

Freedom of the press is nonexistent, and almost all media are controlled by the state. Opposition journalists are subject to harassment, detention, and physical abuse. Religious freedoms are similarly restricted; worshippers outside state-approved institutions are subject to penalties, and security forces closely monitor private worship.

Academic and Social Freedom

The education system and academic research are tightly controlled, limiting any political discourse. Meanwhile, private life is tightly monitored and citizens face serious consequences for dissent. The government monitors online activity and controls internet access, leaving Turkmen citizens with very limited access to independent or international information.

Personal and Social Restrictions

Social norms are tightly regulated, especially for women. Laws implemented in 2022 and coming into force in 2023 prohibit women from wearing tight clothing, dyeing their hair, or wearing certain accessories. These regulations underscore Turkmenistan’s rigid and gender-segregated social environment.

Rights of Association and the Functioning of the State
Freedom of Assembly and Association

Freedom of assembly is de facto non-existent. Public gatherings are rare and often met with police intervention. Turkmenistan has strict rules that make it nearly impossible for independent NGOs, especially those involved in human rights work, to operate. Labor rights are also severely restricted, and there is no protection against anti-union discrimination.

Rule of Law and Corruption

The judicial system in Turkmenistan serves the state, not the citizens. Corruption is widespread, and anti-corruption bodies are often tools of power struggles among elites. Nepotism is widespread, and the state’s opaque operations allow for unchecked corruption. Citizens report that bribes for basic needs such as passports and school registrations have become more expensive, reflecting the deep reach of corruption.

Economic Exploitation and Personal Autonomy
The government restricts citizens’ movement within and outside Turkmenistan. Passports are difficult to obtain, and citizens face extensive bureaucratic hurdles. Economic opportunities are limited, and child labor is commonly used in cotton harvests. Forced labor and other exploitative practices are common, particularly in rural areas, exacerbated by a failing economy and shortages of basic goods.

Conclusion

In 2023, Turkmenistan’s government deepened its grip on power through legislative changes that reestablished former president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s influence. The country remains one of the most repressive states in the world, with widespread restrictions on political rights, civil liberties, and economic freedoms. Turkmenistan’s citizens continue to experience severe limitations on personal and political freedoms, entrenched government control, and systemic corruption, making meaningful reform a distant prospect.

Source: Freedom House

Editor: Ayna Matiyeva