Rainfall is sparse everywhere.
This was recognized internationally when the Soviet Union dissolved in December 1991 and Turkmenistan became a member of the Commonwealth of Independent States. In the presidential elections of June 1992, Saparmurad Niyazov was elected, albeit no opposition candidates were permitted. Eighteen months later, a referendum authorized him to extend his presidency to 2002. Elections are held to a People's Council. In December 1994, only one candidate was permitted in each of the 50 constituencies.