It seems that the opposition groups, Watan and the Republican Party of Turkmenistan, are willing to put their heads above the parapet of domestic politics in Turkmenistan. Both parties have signed a declaration stating that they will stand in the forthcoming July local elections, the Genes elections. Arguing that any previous elections in Turkmenistan have been un-democratic the two organisations have urged the international community not to recognise the validity of the elections as free, open, and democratic, unless they participate in them.

However, it is not clear, even if the elections where open, free and fair, how well either group would do. The fact that both groups are based abroad (Watan are based in Russia and the Republican Party of Turkmenistan in Bulgaria) mitigates heavily against them. It is difficult to see how successful the parties could be at making an impression on the electorate and encouraging them out to vote in their favour in political conditions which are not conducive to going out and voting for an opposition party. In many ways it is possible to argue that president Niyazov should have nothing to fear from holding free and fair local elections. The émigré nature of the opposition abroad does seem to suggest that they have little influence on the political consciousness of ordinary Turkmen, let alone any influence within the Turkmen elite itself. In any case whether they are allowed to put forward candidates or not, the opposition would remain in a very difficult position. If the president were to allow them to stand the security services would be able to carefully monitor all their activities and keep tabs on candidates and sympathisers. On the other hand if they were kept away from participating both groups would continue to remain out of the loop in Turkmen politics. It seems to resemble a classic case of ‘catch 22’. Here is their statement in full:

It has been recently announced in Turkmenistan that elections to local authorities (Gengeshi) will be held in July 2006.

Till now all the so-called elections held since the time of gaining independence in 1991, were characterized by the absence of a choice as such. However, they have been used by the government of Turkmenistan for claims, that democratic principles and procedures are observed in the country. Unfortunately, such statements have been widely taken on trust, including democratic countries and the international organizations. Such policy of accommodation and disregard of the rights of citizens of Turkmenistan caused severe political and humanitarian situation in the country.

We declare, that elections to Gengeshi will get the status of being lawful, free and recognized and the elected deputies will gain the legitimate status only when representatives of political opposition, including those being abroad, will participate in the elections on an alternative basis.

We call the international community to put necessary pressure upon Saparmurat Niyazov’s government for the purpose of getting free elections to be held.

If it will not occur, the WATAN Socio-Political Movement and Republican Party of Turkmenistan will not recognize elections as lawful, along with legitimacy of functioning of Gengeshi. The international community should neither recognize results of such elections so as not to become a passive associate to the occuring lawlessness. The authority elected in such a way will not represent people of Turkmenistan.

We are ready to join in active political process inside the country and we declare that elections are unique way to define political preferences of the voters. We intend to conduct our own political campaign in an orderly manner and to give people the right to make their choice on a polling station.

WATAN SPM and RPT declare, that they are ready to participate in these elections and to nominate candidates for all electoral districts. We call on authorities of Turkmenistan to provide equal access and conditions for all candidates.

On behalf of WATAN Socio-Political Movement

Hudaiberdy Orazov

On behalf of Republican Party of Turkmenistan

Nurmuhammed Hanamov

April, 9th, 2006