Niyazov talks of stepping down in 2010

President for life Saparmurat Niyazov of Turkmenistan has announced his intention step down in 2010 to make way for a younger elected leader, Reuters news agency reported on Sunday. "After you turn 70, it is too hard to work but it is possible to work until then," it quoted the president as saying, citing a state television report.

"We need a young president, and an open election with several candidates running... Today, all those willing to become president may start preparing," the 61-year-old Niyazov is reported to have told more than 2,000 members of the People's Council in the Turkem capital, Ashgabat.

Saparmurat Niyazov, who enjoys the official title of Turkmenbashi (head of the Turkmen), has held power in the impoverished, yet gas-rich, former Soviet state of four million since becoming its Communist Party leader in 1985.

With Niyazov forcing his political opponents into exile, there has been limited opposition to his rule within Turkmenistan and any presidential hopefuls will be drawn from a handful of regional heads loyal to the president, according to Reuters. In addition to his presidential powers, Niyazov is Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and head of the ruling Democratic Party.