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An official structure of the constitution of Turkmenistan came into being only in 1992 and was given the status of the supreme law of the state. The preamble to the constitution of Turkmenistan shows indications of the communist rule of erstwhile U.S.S.R. that influenced Turkmenistan for many years. The preamble quite notably stresses on the quality of self-determination in the Turkmen people along with the rights of citizens that are guaranteed legally by the rule of law. On the whole, the constitution of Turkmenistan, consists of 3 separate sections that give outsiders and the people of the country a detailed idea of the politics and administration of the country.
The first section within the constitution of Turkmenistan consists of a total of 15 articles. Amongst these 15 articles, the first article gives information on the administrative status of Turkmenistan. It states that Turkmenistan is a sovereign republic which has a democratic form of administration. The portion on the rights of citizens is contained in article 3 of this first section. There is also the provision of non-Turkmens enjoying public rights but only till the government has allowed so. The right to property and the right to religion demand special mention when talking of section 1 of the constitution of Turkmenistan. A separate and free judiciary for the country is mentioned in article 4 of the same section.
Section 2 of the constitution of Turkmenistan deals in detail with the rights of people of Turkmenistan. Article 17 equal rights for all Turkmens, article 18 states equality of the sexes, article 21 takes a strong stand against cruel and unusual punishment and article 24 provides freedom of movement. Some social rights are also granted to the people in article 31, 32 and 35 which state the rights to work, the right to rest and the right to education respectively. Article 20, however, demands special mention since, it talks about capital punishment and puts a limit to the right to life.
Section 3 of the constitution of Turkmenistan is nothing other than a description of the state head, the President and his powers and rights.
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