There is no formal opposition since rival political parties are outlawed. Unofficial, small opposition movements exist mainly underground or in foreign countries. In October 2000, President Niyazov reiterated that his country is not yet mature enough to make the transition to a multiparty democracy, and denied the existence of political prisoners in Turkmenistan. However, various human rights organisations have documented the sentencing of numerous persons for criticising Niyazov s policies.
Religious tolerance is also non-existent in Turkmenistan.
On 18 February 2001 Niyazov, whose presidential term was extended for an indefinite period in December 1999, told the annual session of the Turkmen legislature that he will leave office no later than 2010, when he will turn 70. He said open elections should then be held in which several younger candidates would contest the presidency, but that only persons who have held public office for 5-10 years and whose candidacy is approved by parliament will be eligible. In addition, candidates must have lived in Turkmenistan for 10 years prior to the presidential ballot, a restriction that rules out former Foreign Minister Avdy Kuliev, who currently lives abroad. The parliament duly approved a law on holding presidential elections in 2010. Niyazov had told foreign ambassadors on 16 February that legislation on the election of regional administrators and the president will be passed in 2008.