Legal System of Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is located in Central Asia. It is geographically situated in central asia, bordering the caspian sea, between iran and kazakhstan. The country achieved independence on 27 october 1991 (from the soviet union). The capital is Ashgabat (Ashkhabad).

Government Overview

Government Type: presidential republic; authoritarian Chief of State: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV (since 19 March 2022) Head of Government: President Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOV (since 19 March 2022) Cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the president Administrative Divisions: 5 provinces (velayatlar, singular - velayat) and 1 independent city*: Ahal Velayat (Arkadag), Ashgabat*, Balkan Velayat (Balkanabat), Dashoguz Velayat, Lebap Velayat (Turkmenabat), Mary Velayat National Holiday: Independence Day, 27 October (1991) Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Legal System

The legal system of Turkmenistan is described as civil law system with Islamic (sharia) law influences International Law: has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Constitutional Framework

The constitution has the following history: several previous; latest adopted 14 September 2016 Amendment Process: proposed by the Assembly or Mejlis; passage requires two-thirds majority vote or absolute majority approval in a referendum

Judicial Branch

Highest Court(s): Supreme Court of Turkmenistan (consists of the court president and 21 associate judges and organized into civil, criminal, and military chambers) Judge Selection: judges appointed by the president for 5-year terms Subordinate Courts: High Commercial Court; appellate courts; provincial, district, and city courts; military courts

Legislative Branch

The legislative structure consists of unicameral

Citizenship and Suffrage

Citizenship by Birth: no Citizenship by Descent: at least one parent must be a citizen of Turkmenistan Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Historical Background

Present-day Turkmenistan has been at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Various Persian empires ruled the area in antiquity, and Alexander the Great, Muslim armies, the Mongols, Turkic warriors, and eventually the Russians conquered it. In medieval times, Merv (located in present-day Mary province) was one of the great cities of the Islamic world and an important stop on the Silk Road.

This article provides a summary of the legal system and governmental structure of Turkmenistan based on the CIA World Factbook. The Factbook is a public domain publication of the United States Central Intelligence Agency.