The Turkmen government's press service has reported that candidates have been put forward to run for the presidency against incumbent Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov.
The press service noted there was a "short break" in nominating candidates after Berdymukhammedov was put forward by the country's only political party, the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, and nearly all major business and social organizations on December 15.
RFE/RL's Turkmen service reports that Berdymukhammedov's opponents are Rejep Bazarov, the deputy mayor of Dashoghuz province, Myratgeldi Jumageldiyev, the mayor of Halach District, and Rozygeldi Rozgulyev, the acting director of Lebap Water Ways.
All are members of the ruling party of Turkmenistan, which is chaired by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov himself.
The registration of candidates must be concluded 25 days prior to the election day.
Berdymukhammedov is expected to easily win the poll on February 12, 2012. It will be only the second time since Turkmenistan declared independence in 1991 that presidential elections will be held in the country with more than one candidate.
with agency reports