The Supreme representative body of power, the Halk Maslahaty (people's Council), adopted the constitutional Law "On amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan", which provides for the creation of a bicameral Parliament, at a meeting held today via direct video link. This is reported by the Country's state news Agency.
The new bicameral Parliament, which will be referred to as the national Council of Turkmenistan, is expected to consist of 181 deputies. The house of representatives – Halk Maslahaty – will include 56 people. 8 people from each region and city of Ashgabat, 8 more people will be appointed by the President of the country. A citizen of Turkmenistan, at least 30 years old, with higher education, who has been permanently residing in the country for the last 10 years, can be elected and appointed as a member of the Halk Maslahaty for a period of 5 years. The number of members of the Mejlis will remain the same – 125 deputies elected for a 5-year term.
It is assumed that the Mejlis (lower house) will consider draft laws, monitor their implementation, review and approve the program of activities of the Cabinet of Ministers, the state Budget, as well as programs for political, economic, social and cultural development of the country. At the same time, the upper house (Halk Maslahaty) will consider and approve laws adopted by the Mejlis, decide on holding national referendums, and changing the state border.
"The formation of a qualitatively new bicameral structure of the National Parliament will create favorable conditions for strengthening the legal basis for the development of our independent country and increasing the efficiency of state authorities," President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the meeting of the Halk Maslahaty.
According to him, the adoption of the constitutional law will be another important step towards the democratization of our country.
"I firmly believe that the national Council of Turkmenistan will turn into a national representative body that unites our people and guides them to high goals!" – said Berdimuhamedov, announcing that now the constitutional Law "On amendments and additions to the Constitution of Turkmenistan" is proposed for consideration by the Mejlis for adoption.
