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Turkmenistan

This article is part of the series: Politics and government of Turkmenistan

Constitution President Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedow Assembly People's Council Military of Turkmenistan (incl. State Security Council) Political parties Democratic Party of Turkmenistan Elections: 2007 presidential Provinces Human rights Foreign relations Ruhnama

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The Constitution of Turkmenistan is meant to be the supreme law^[1] of the former-Soviet state of Turkmenistan. It was enacted in 1992.

In its preamble, the Constitution emphasizes self-determination for the Turkmen people, as well as the rule of law and rights for citizens. (See also Human rights in Turkmenistan).

Contents 1 Section 1 2 Section 2 3 Section 3 4 References

Section 1 of the Constitution is composed of 15 articles. Article 1 describes Turkmenistan as a democracy and sovereign republic. It is also said that the republic cannot come apart. Article 3 talks of citizens' rights and dignity, and it is stated the government should help foster these. Under article 8, it is clarified that non-citizens in Turkmenistan enjoy these rights unless the law says otherwise. Among the rights specifically enumerated are the right to property (article 9) and freedom of religion (article 11).

Article 4 endorses a separation of powers, including judicial independence, and article 13 establishes the Turkmen language as the official language. Article 12 entrenches the military of Turkmenistan while article 15 confirms Ashgabat as the capital city.

Section 2 outlines rights of citizens. Civil and political rights include equality rights (article 17), sex equality (article 18), freedom from cruel and unusual punishment (article 21), and freedom of movement (article 24). Social and economic rights include the right to work (article 31), the right to rest (article 32), and the right to education (article 35).

However, article 19 states such rights can be limited according to morality, order and public safety. Article 20 also limits the right to life by allowing capital punishment. Finally, section 2 lists some obligations on citizens, including serving in the military (article 38) and paying taxes (article 39).

A description of the president of Turkmenistan can be found in articles 54 to 61. He is the head of state and commander-in-chief, and can issue decrees.

1. ^ Article 5 of the Constitution of Turkmenistan

• "Constitution of Turkmenistan," University of Texas at Arlington, URL accessed 27 December 2006.