Saparmurat Niyazov to retain presidency till the end of his life

Saparmurat Niyazov will retain his presidency till the end of his life. According to a RIA Novosti correspondent, this decision was taken on Thursday by the country's supreme legislative body - the People's Council - at a session in the town of Turkmenabad /former Charchzhou/ in eastern Turkmenistan.

Saparmurat Niyazov became the first Turkmen President as a result of general elections which took place on October 27th, 1990.

On June 21st 1992 Niyazov won the presidential race again, and his presidential term was subsequently prolonged till 2002.

In compliance with the law adopted on December 28th 1999, no limitations can be imposed on Niyazov's presidential term.

Niyazov has previously refused to become the President ad vitam stating that the next presidential elections would take place in 2008 or 2010.