PoliticsSecretive Turkmenistan speeds toward father-son power transfer
March snap election takes observers by surprise in rocky year for Central Asia
Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov rides a horse in an Independence Day parade last September. He says it is time to transfer power to "young leaders." © Reuters
PAUL BARTLETT, Contributing writer
February 17, 2022 12:03 JST
ALMATY -- The next stage of Turkmenistan's dynastic power transition is underway, as long-term President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov prepares to hand the reins to his only son Serdar through a choreographed snap election called for March 12 -- two years ahead of schedule.