The mission of observers from the CIS, that arrived at the invitation of the Turkmen side for the forthcoming early presidential elections on March 12, has begun work in Turkmenistan, the State News Agency of Turkmenistan TDH reports.

 Within their powers, the Mission members will observe the course of the pre-election campaign and directly the voting on the election day.  The mission was headed by the First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Committee - Executive Secretary of the CIS Leonid Anfimov.

 During the meeting held on February 28 with the leadership of the Central Commission for Elections and Referendums in Turkmenistan, international observers got acquainted with the plan of activities planned by the CEC and, in general, with the work done on the ground.

 In particular, it was noted that the current election campaign reflects the main principles of existing international norms - universal suffrage, voluntary participation of citizens in elections held on an alternative basis, the creation of equal opportunities for all nominated candidates, freedom of campaigning during the campaign, protection of electoral rights  citizens, as well as publicity and openness.

 It was especially emphasized that all the necessary conditions for monitoring the election campaign have been created for the work of international observers, including for meetings with proxies of candidates for the highest state post.  In particular, with the assistance of the Central Election Commission, the Headquarters of the Mission was opened, equipped with the necessary office equipment and communications.

 As Anfimov mentioned, the CIS Observer Mission will carry out its activities on the basis of generally accepted international norms, independently, without interfering in the internal affairs of the state.  The objective of the Mission is to promote the holding of free and democratic elections.

 Also on Monday, the delegation of the Mission from the CIS discussed the preparations for the presidential elections at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

 The Central Election Commission has registered 9 candidates for the post of head of state.  From the initiative groups of five velayats and the city of Ashgabat - 6 candidates, as well as 3 candidates - from the Democratic Party, the Agrarian Party and the Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Turkmenistan.

 At present, candidates for the post of the President of the country meet with voters, acquaint them with their election programs.