Serdar BerdimuhamedovASHGABAT, Mar 20 President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on the resignation of the old cabinet of ministers The government's Russian-language newspaper, Neutral Turkmenistan, reported on Sunday. The new Turkmen leader did so on Saturday, immediately after the inauguration ceremony and acceptance of the parade of guards of honor and units of the armed forces. The newspaper notes that «having accepted the parade, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov proceeded to the Oguzkhan Palace Complex to begin his duties at the highest state post.» In accordance with the Constitution of Turkmenistan, the head of state signed a Resolution on the resignation of powers by members of the Government of the country in full force , ordering them to continue fulfilling their official duties until the formation of a new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers,» the publication emphasizes. Extraordinary presidential elections in Turkmenistan were held on March 12 with the participation of nine contenders for the highest state post. The election was won by 40-year-old Deputy Prime Minister Serdar Berdimuhamedov, who won 72.97% of the vote and succeeded his father, the second head of state, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The remaining participants in the presidential race received a total of 27.03% of the vote. The President in Turkmenistan is elected for seven years and takes office from the moment of taking the oath.
