Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Today, on 12 March, 2,577 polling stations opened in Turkmenistan at 7.00 (5.00 Moscow time) for voting in early presidential elections, which will last until 19.00 (17.00 Moscow time), RIA Novosti reported.

Voting is also taking place at 41 polling stations opened at the diplomatic and consular offices of Turkmenistan abroad. Here it will last from 7.00 to 19.00 local time of the state in which the polling station is located.

Nine candidates nominated in accordance with the law by three political parties registered in the country and a group of citizens are running for the highest state post in Turkmenistan.

The legislation of Turkmenistan does not establish a voter turnout threshold, so the elections will be recognized as valid if there is any activity of voters.

According to the Electoral Code of Turkmenistan, the Central Election Commission, no later than on the seventh day after the elections, sums up their results, draws up a protocol and announces the results of the elections. The candidate who receives more than half of the votes of the voters who took part in the voting will be declared president-elect.

A citizen of the country who was born on its territory, is not younger than 40 years old, speaks the state language, has been permanently residing and working in the country for the previous 15 years, can be elected President of Turkmenistan. The President of Turkmenistan is elected directly by the people of the country for a period of seven years and takes office from the moment he takes the oath. The inauguration of the new president of the country will take place on 19 March.