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Politics & Government Guide in Turkmenistan

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Turkmenistan remains a highly repressive authoritarian presidential republic under President Serdar Berdimuhamedow, who holds both head of state and government positions since 2022, continuing his father's political dynasty. The government maintains tight control over all aspects of society, with no genuine political opposition, severe restrictions on freedoms, and a unicameral parliament that functions as a rubber-stamp body. In 2025, legislative activity continued amid ongoing human rights abuses and international isolation.

Democracy Index

Poor

Government Type

Republic under Authoritarian Presidential Rule

Legal System

Civil law system controlled by the executive

Head of State

President Serdar Berdimuhamedow(since 2022)

Head of Government

President Serdar Berdimuhamedowsince 2022

Political Indicators

Press Freedom
22.1Rank #175

Scale: 0-100

Very Serious

Reporters Without Borders (2025)

Democracy Index
1.62Rank #167

Scale: 0-10

Authoritarian

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:unicameral
Lower House:Mejlis (125 seats)

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and over have voting rights in presidential and parliamentary elections

Recent Developments

  • 27 laws adopted by parliament in 2025 during four sessions
  • President Serdar Berdimuhamedow conducted 15 foreign visits in 2025
  • Continued restrictions on religious groups and increased state control over imams in 2025
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution2008
Provinces5
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