The US State Department, following the results of the early presidential elections held in Turkmenistan, called on the government to improve the country's electoral system in accordance with the recommendations made by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR).

The ODIHR assessment noted that Turkmenistan failed to show that its electoral process is free, fair or competitive. We urge the government of Turkmenistan to apply ODIHR recommendations to bring its electoral system up to the standards outlined in the needs assessment, State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a written statement Tuesday.

At the same time, the State Department drew attention to the growing partnership between the United States and Turkmenistan and noted that they would continue to encourage political participation from the people of Turkmenistan.