TURKMENISTAN: CEC CHAIRMAN MORE THE PROBLEM THAN THE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001369

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SENSITIVE

STATE FOR SCA/CEN, DRL

AID/W FOR EE/AA (BOB WALLIN)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM KDEM TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN: CEC CHAIRMAN MORE THE PROBLEM THAN THE
SOLUTION



1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet.


2. (SBU) SUMMARY: During a meeting with DAS Erica Barks-Ruggles,
Turkmenistan's Central Election Commission chairman declared
Turkmenistan a democratic nation for the past 5,000 years and needs
little in the way of reform. The chairman provided the delegation
with facts and figures related to the December 9 provincial
government elections, and expended significant energy trying to
convince the delegation that Turkmenistan's electoral system meets
international standards. The two sides agreed to disagree, but it
was clear to the delegation that Garryev, a throwback to Soviet
days, will not be a constructive partner on reform. END SUMMARY.


3. (SBU) On December 8, a delegation led by Deputy Assistant
Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Erica Barks-Ruggles

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met with longtime Central Election Commission Chairman Myrat Garryev
to discuss democratic transition in Turkmenistan and the December 9
provincial government elections. Garryev described Turkmenistan as
a democratic nation with free speech and press where people of all
ethnicities have equal rights. According to Garryev, Turkmenistan
and her people have a 5,000 year history of democratic traditions
dating back to Oguz Han, and need nothing in the way of electoral
reform.


4. (SBU) For example, he said, elections take place at many levels,
from municipality to presidential, and now there is a choice of
candidates. There were six candidates for president earlier this
year, and there were 560 candidates are competing for the 240 seats
in the regional Halk Maslahatys, or People's Councils, elections on
December 9.


5. He noted that President Niyazov completely transformed the state,
in all spheres of life, including culture, education, and democracy,
and that he was pleased to announce that Berdimuhamedov has been
following in Niyazov's direction. Mimicking President
Berdimuhamedov, Garryev noted that a new revival is taking place to
improve the lives of citizens and the environment.


6. (SBU) He emphasized that Turkmenistan's universal suffrage
begins for all citizens at 18, and district election officials
assist the old and the sick, and any others who need help to cast
their vote. "We track them down," he said. (NOTE: Post has learned
from citizens here that if they fail to vote, election officials
knock on their doors and dmand that they fulfill their civic duty.
These officials can and do cast the ballot on behalf of citizens,
who never see their own ballots. END NOTE.)


7. (SBU) DAS Barks-Ruggles underscored what the President and
Secretary Rice have said about democracy. To be considered a

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democratic nation, she said, a country needs to do more than just
hold free, fair, transparent, and open elections. There are two
other components: civil society and good governance, including
accountability to the citizens, rule of law, and fighting
corruption. She noted that the U.S. has a long history of working
with governments and civic organizations on all three pillars in a
host of countries across the region and asked the IFES
representative in the delegation to explain the types of U.S.
partnership and programs that were available.


8. (SBU) IFES Country Director for Azerbaijan Dan Blessington
reviewed the type of work IFES has done in over 100 countries. He
noted that Turkmenistan's electoral system does not meet
international standards. Although multiple candidates compete for
seats, they all come from the single legal political party in
Turkmenistan. Further, no information about candidates, beyond
their biographies, is provided to voters here, so there is nothing
to distinguish one candidate from another. Garryev, appearing
offended, challenged Blessington to visit Turkmenistan in the future
and monitor Turkmen elections. Blessington commented that in
Azerbaijan IFES is currently training election officials, working on
voter lists and a civil registry, educating voters, and assisting on
the reformation of election codes and laws. Garryev commented that
"these things are probably required in Azerbaijan, but they are not
relevant in Turkmenistan." When Blessington noted that Turkmenistan

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would probably be the only country, then, where this type of work
was not needed, Garryev responded, "yes, that is correct."


9. (SBU) COMMENT: Garryev is an engaging, but somewhat
over-the-top political character straight out of Soviet central
casting who was clearly chosen years ago to guard the electoral
gates of Turkmenistan. He is also one of the last powerful
bureaucrats chosen by former President Niyazov to implement his key
policies. Nevertheless, some other elements of the Turkmenistan
government are interested in cooperation in the electoral sphere,
and the OSCE, UNDP, and the German government are assisting with the
review of Turkmenistan's election law.


10. (SBU) COMMENT CONTINUED: As international attention focuses
increasingly on the December 2008 parliamentary elections, however,
the deeper question will ultimately be how to encourage Turkmenistan
to undertake modest electoral reform in practice, while Garryev
remains in office. (Note: Garryev commented that the parliamentary
elections would take place March 14, 2008, a much earlier date than
we have heard elsewhere. End note.) He is much more of a hindrance
than a help. END COMMENT.

HOAGLAND