Election Date Set in Turkmenistan

[Joanne98]

Two days after authoritarian Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov was laid to rest, the parliament of the Central Asian state voted Tuesday to give the country's interim leader approval to run for president.

The election date was set for Feb. 11.

Acting President Gurbungali Berdymukhamedov and five relatively unknown candidates, such as Oraz Karajayev, the mayor of the town of Owadon, and Amanniyaz Atajikov, a parliament member, won approval to participate in the presidential election.

The parliament, or People's Council, is made up of about 2,500 lawmakers who were either elected or appointed.

Berdymukhamedov said last week the presidential election would be held "on the democratic basis that was laid by the great leader" -- which was seen as a sign that Turkmenistan, in fact, did not plan to hold a democratic election
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/stories/2006/12/27/011.html

If Bush interferrs in this election Pooty Poot will be very very mad...

[Posteritatis]

1. Well, "election" date. It *is* Turkmenistan, after all. (n/t)

[maxsolomon]

2. known as "the 3rd cousin's half sister's stepfather of all turkmen"

turkmen hats are SWEET!

[DavidDvorkin]

3. The winner will be a complete surprise

Who will immediately announce that Turkmenistan will apply to join the EU, will plan to establish a base on the moon, and will provide free doughnuts and broadband to all citizens.

Also free camels.

But I'm guessing.

[Endangered Specie]

4. what, no 100 days of mourning first?