Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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Turkmenistan Leader Remains in Power

by VOA News

   Just about everyone in Turkmenistan showed up at the polls Sunday to
   retain their current president.

   Election commission officials say more than 97 percent of voters cast
   their ballots for incumbent President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov.

   Eight opponents were considered token candidates.

   Changes to the country's Constitution last year removed presidential
   age limits and extended the president's term from five years to seven.

   Political analysts say the changes will make it easy for
   Berdymukhamedov to hold on to the presidential office for as long as he
   likes.