President Berdymukhamedov early May sacked or arrested several high-ranking officials for alleged corruption: 4 May fired general prosecutor for not addressing corruption; 50 high-level officials from prosecutor’s office detained and subjected to show trials broadcast on state media 12 May.

President Berdymukhamedov re-elected to third seven-year term 12 Feb with 97.69% of vote: turnout reported at 97.28%. Eight other candidates received less than 3% of vote between them. Amid worsening economic situation and shortages, reports emerged ahead of vote of officials forcing traders in Ashgabat to reduce prices. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders 10 Feb spoke out against “unprecedented crackdown” on independent journalists in country. OSCE sent first ever limited election observation mission.

Govt early Jan suspended gas exports to Iran over payment dispute; now exporting to a single customer, China, which pays sub-market price.

President Berdymukhamedov met with Russian President Putin in Sochi 1 Nov, marking his first visit to Russia since 2011. According to official reports they discussed broad agenda of cooperation, Berdymukhamedov described Russian foreign policy as “peace loving”. Some observers speculated that Turkmen President was seeking to negotiate new loans from Russia in face of struggling economy, evinced by shortages of basic goods. Turkmengaz and Gazprom 7 Nov resolved months-long dispute over pricing; details of agreement unknown. President’s only son Serdar Berdymukhamedov became member of parliament 20 Nov.

Presidential elections scheduled for 12 Feb 2017, first to be held under newly-introduced constitutional amendments which raised term limit to seven years and scrapped upper age limit for presidency. Amid ongoing concerns over security along Afghan border, Afghan first VP 16 Oct reported over 7,000 Islamic State fighters trying to make their way to Afghanistan’s northern provinces near border with Turkmenistan for next fighting season in 2017.

Ahead of presidential elections in 2017 which President Berdymukhamedov has called to be competitive, constitutional amendments adopted 14 Sept increasing presidential term from five to seven years, scrapping upper age limit of 70 years.

Amid shortage of foreign currency, Central Bank 25 July introduced tight restrictions on currency conversion; independent Turkmen media outlets (reporting from outside country) report citizens stockpiling food. Five Central Asian FMs met with U.S. Sec State Kerry in Washington DC 3 Aug under multilateral C5+1 format (see Kazakhstan). President Berdymukhamedov visited Germany 29 Aug, first visit since 2008; said country was working on constitution reform, will introduce human rights ombudsman; is looking into new gas export routes.

State media 2 July reported President Berdymukhammedov pardoned 612 prisoners ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Govt mid-month closed border with Kazakhstan for five days amid increased security measures.

President Berdymukhammedov met with visiting Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu 8 June in Ashgabat to discuss regional security risks and increase military cooperation. Independent Turkmen media 8 June reported 27 conscripts died on Turkmen-Afghan border early May in unclear circumstances.

Fighting reported 19 April between 300-400 Taliban and Afghan govt forces less than a kilometre from Turkmen border.