President Berdimuhammedov dismissed Interior Minister Rahmatov on corruption accusations.

President Berdimuhammedov continued education reforms, reinstated pension payments and restricted presidential powers for naming institutions and delineating administrative units.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov sworn in as President after winning 11 February election with 89.23% vote; authorities claimed 98% turnout. President’s first steps included decree increasing compulsory schooling to 10 years, university education to 5 years, and reversal of ban on internet cafes. Some disgraced Niyazov-era officials reinstated, including FM Meredov and Oil and Gas Minister Tajberdi Tagiyev.

Interim president Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov, front-runner for 11 February elections, pledged social and education reform but vowed to remain loyal to Niyazov legacy.

Authoritarian president Saparmurat Niyazov died suddenly 21 December of natural causes after 21 years of rule, creating uncertainty over country’s future and fears of destabilising power struggle. Deputy PM and Health Minister Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov declared interim head of state. Exiled opposition figures signalled plans to return to country, but denied permission by interim government. Opposition figure Nurberdy Nurmammedov, unregistered presidential candidate of Union of Democratic Forces, reported missing since 23 December. National Council convened 26 December: set presidential election for 11 February 2007, endorsed 15-year residency requirement for candidates, effectively excluding all exiled opposition leaders, and identified 6 candidates, including Berdimuhammedov.

President Niyazov dismissed 3 remaining regional governors, following similar October dismissals. Visiting German FM Frank-Walter Steinmeier criticised Ashgabat for human rights record and democracy “deficit”.

European Parliament committee shelved trade pact with Ashgabat pending “clear, tangible and sustained progress” on human rights. Around half of prison population pardoned in annual amnesty; dissident Kakabay Tejenov, in forced psychiatric detention since January, also reportedly released. President Niyazov dismissed 2 regional governors for failing to meet cotton production targets.

Journalist and activist Ogulsapar Muradova died in prison; family reported head and neck injuries, disputing official “natural causes” verdict. Official obstruction and harassment of family condemned by international rights activists; UN expressed “grave concern”.

Former presidential spokesman Kakamurat Ballyev reportedly sentenced to 17 years prison; latest in series of senior officials to fall foul of President Niyazov. Ballyev dismissed from post shortly before arrest but charges remain unclear. OSCE condemned 25 August closed-trial sentencing of 2 rights activists and journalist to long prison terms, reportedly for ammunition possession.

International rights groups increased pressure for release of 3 activists detained in June for alleged involvement in anti-regime network.